US08294254B2

A semiconductor device package die and method of manufacture are disclosed. The device package die may comprise a device substrate having one or more front electrodes located on a front surface of the device substrate and electrically connected to one or more corresponding device regions formed within the device substrate proximate the front surface. A back conductive layer is formed on a back surface of the device substrate. The back conductive layer is electrically connected to a device region formed within the device substrate proximate a back surface of the device substrate. One or more conductive extensions are formed on one or more corresponding sidewalls of the device substrate in electrical contact with the back conductive layer, and extend to a portion of the front surface of the device substrate. A support substrate is bonded to the back surface of the device substrate.
US08294251B2

A semiconductor die and a low profile semiconductor package formed therefrom are disclosed. The semiconductor package may include at least first and second stacked semiconductor die mounted to a substrate. The first and/or second semiconductor die may be fabricated with localized cavities through a bottom surface of the semiconductor die, along a side edge of the semiconductor die. The one or more localized cavities in a side take up less than the entire side. Thus, the localized cavities allow low height stacking of semiconductor die while providing each die with a high degree of structural integrity to prevent cracking or breaking of the die edge during fabrication.
US08294244B2

A semiconductor device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of IGBT cells on the semiconductor substrate, each of the IGBT cells including a gate electrode and a first emitter electrode; a first gate wiring on the substrate and being connected to the gate electrode; an interlayer insulating film covering the first emitter electrode and the first gate wiring; and a second emitter electrode on the interlayer insulating film and being connected to the first emitter electrode through an opening of the interlayer insulating film, wherein the second emitter electrode extends above the first gate wiring via the interlayer insulating film.
US08294243B2

Conduction between source and drain or emitter and collector regions is an important characteristic in transistor operation, particularly for lateral bipolar transistors. Accordingly, techniques that can facilitate control over this characteristic can mitigate yield loss by promoting the production of transistors that have an increased likelihood of exhibiting desired operational performance. As disclosed herein, well regions are established in a semiconductor substrate to facilitate, among other things, control over the conduction between the source and drain regions of a lateral bipolar transistor, thus mitigating yield loss and other associated fabrication deficiencies. Importantly, an additional mask is not required in establishing the well regions, thus further mitigating (increased) costs associated with promoting desired device performance.
US08294239B2

An electrically programmable fuse (eFuse) comprises a semiconductor layer, a silicide layer overlying the semiconductor layer, and first and second contact structures electrically coupled to the silicide layer. The first contact structure is configured to function as an anode and the second contact structure is configured to function as a cathode. The eFuse further comprises a back-gate structure disposed underneath the semiconductor layer in a back-gate structure region proximate the second contact structure, the back-gate structure region excluding a region proximate the first contact structure. Responsive to (i) a programming voltage potential supplied between the first and second contact structures and (ii) a voltage potential supplied to the back-gate structure, silicide of the silicide layer operates to migrate, with an enhanced migration, into the semiconductor layer from the cathode to the anode with an absence of silicide residue in at least the back-gate structure region of the semiconductor layer between the first and second contact structures.
US08294225B2

This invention provides a technique whereby, even if a step is produced by splitting a lower electrode into component elements, resistance increase of an upper electrode, damage to a membrane and decrease of dielectric strength between an upper electrode and the lower electrode, are reduced. In an ultrasonic transducer comprising plural lower electrodes, an insulation film covering the lower electrodes, plural hollow parts formed to overlap the lower electrodes on the insulation film, an insulation film filling the gaps among the hollow parts, an insulation film covering the hollow parts and insulation film, plural upper electrodes formed to overlap the hollow parts on the insulation film and plural interconnections joining them, the surfaces of the hollow parts and insulation film are flattened to the same height.
US08294221B2

According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cell blocks, a plurality of first wirings, a plurality of second wirings, and a contact. Each of the memory cell blocks includes a plurality of memory cell units. Each of the plurality of memory cell units includes a plurality of memory cells and is provided in a first direction at a prescribed spacing. The plurality of memory cell blocks is arranged in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The plurality of first wirings extends in the second direction and is provided in the first direction at a prescribed spacing. The plurality of second wirings is provided at least one of above and below the first wiring. The contact is provided at both end portions of the second wiring in the second direction and connects the first wiring to the second wiring. A width dimension of the second wiring along the first direction is larger than a width dimension of the first wiring along the first direction.
US08294217B2

The semiconductor device includes a first transistor including a first impurity layer containing boron or phosphorus, a first epitaxial layer formed above the first impurity layer, a first gate electrode formed above the first epitaxial layer with a first gate insulating film formed therebetween and first source/drain regions, and a second transistor including a second impurity layer containing boron and carbon, or arsenic or antimony, a second epitaxial layer formed above the second impurity layer, a second gate electrode formed above the second epitaxial layer with a second gate insulating film thinner than the first gate insulating film formed therebetween, and second source/drain regions.
US08294211B2

A method of fabricating a semiconductor device with back side conductive plugs is provided here. The method begins by forming a gate structure overlying a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The SOI substrate has a support layer, an insulating layer overlying the support layer, an active semiconductor region overlying the insulating layer, and an isolation region outboard of the active semiconductor region. A first section of the gate structure is formed overlying the isolation region and a second section of the gate structure is formed overlying the active semiconductor region. The method continues by forming source/drain regions in the active semiconductor region, and thereafter removing the support layer from the SOI substrate. Next, the method forms conductive plugs for the gate structure and the source/drain regions, where each of the conductive plugs passes through the insulating layer.
US08294209B2

A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of active pillars protruding from a semiconductor substrate, a first gate electrode disposed on at least one sidewall of the active pillar, a first gate insulating layer being disposed between the active pillar and the first gate electrode, a second gate electrode disposed on at least one sidewall of the active pillar over the first gate electrode, a second gate insulating layer being disposed between the active pillar and the second gate electrode, first and second body regions in the active pillar adjacent to respective first and second respective electrodes, and first through third source/drain regions in the active pillar arranged alternately with the first and second body regions.
US08294207B2

In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device on a substrate which includes a plurality of pillar patterns, an impurity region between adjacent pillar patterns, a gate electrode on each pillar pattern, a first capping layer covering the gate electrode, and a separation layer covering the first capping layer between the gate electrodes of adjacent pillar patterns, the first capping layer is removed except for a portion contacting the separation layer, a sacrificial layer is formed to cover the gate electrode, a second capping layer is formed on sidewalls of each pillar pattern, the sacrificial layer is removed and a word line connecting the gate electrodes of the adjacent pillar patterns is formed. In the manufactured device, the first capping layer isolates the impurity region from the word line and the second capping region prevents the sidewalls of the respective pillar pattern from being exposed.
US08294206B2

An integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor body fitted with a first electrode and a second electrode on opposite surfaces. A control electrode on an insulating layer controls channel regions of body zones for a current flow between the two electrodes. A drift section adjoining the channel regions comprises drift zones and charge compensation zones. A part of the charge compensation zones includes conductively connected charge compensation zones electrically connected to the first electrode. Another part includes nearly-floating charge compensation zones, so that an increased control electrode surface has a monolithically integrated additional capacitance CZGD in a cell region of the semiconductor device.
US08294187B2

An image sensor that includes a plurality of pixels disposed on a substrate, each pixel includes at least one photosensitive region that collects charges in response to incident light; a charge-to-voltage conversion node for sensing the charge from the at least one photosensitive region and convening the charge to a voltage; an amplifier transistor having a source connected to an output node, having a gate connected to the charge-to-voltage conversion node and having a drain connected to at least a portion of a power supply node; and a reset transistor connecting the output node and the charge-to-voltage conversion node.
US08294186B2

A semiconductor device capable of improving the driving power and a manufacturing method therefor are provided. In a semiconductor device, a gate structure formed by successively stacking a gate oxide film and a silicon layer is arranged over a semiconductor substrate. An oxide film is arranged long the lateral side of the gate structure and another oxide film is arranged along the lateral side of the oxide film and the upper surface of the substrate. In the side wall oxide film comprising these oxide films, the minimum value of the thickness of the first layer along the lateral side of the gate structure is less than the thickness of the second layer along the upper surface of the substrate.
US08294171B2

Disclosed are a light emitting device having a plurality of non-polar light emitting cells and a method of fabricating the same. This method comprises preparing a first substrate of sapphire or silicon carbide having an upper surface with an r-plane, an a-plane or an m-plane. The first substrate has stripe-shaped anti-growth patterns on the upper surface thereof, and recess regions having sidewalls of a c-plane between the anti-growth patterns. Nitride semiconductor layers are grown on the substrate having the recess regions, and the nitride semiconductor layers are patterned to form the light emitting cells separated from one another. Accordingly, there is provided a light emitting device having non-polar light emitting cells with excellent crystal quality.
US08294165B2

A light-emitting device is provided, which includes a substrate having a plane surface, a semiconductor light-emitting element mounted on the plane surface of the substrate and which emits light in a range from ultraviolet ray to visible light, a first light transmissible layer formed above the substrate and covering the semiconductor light-emitting element, a phosphor layer formed above the first light transmissible layer and containing phosphor particles and matrix, and a second light transmissible layer formed above the phosphor layer and contacting with the plane surface of the substrate. The surface of the phosphor layer has projections reflecting shapes of the phosphor particles.
US08294162B2

An LED device and an LED lighting apparatus using the same can include a casing including a cavity and at least one pair of LED chips including a first and second LED chips. The LED chips can be adjacently located in the cavity, and an encapsulating resin including a phosphor can be disposed in the cavity so as to encapsulate the LED chips. A light-emitting surface of the first LED chip can be covered with a transparent resin, and therefore color temperatures of light emitted from the first and second LED chips can be located on a substantially black body due to a difference between their distances to the encapsulating resin. Thus, the LED lighting apparatus using the LED device can selectively emit white light having a preferable color temperature that is close to a natural color between the color temperatures by adjusting current applied to the LED chips.
US08294156B2

A nanocrystal light-emitting diode with improved structural stability is disclosed. Specifically, the nanocrystal light-emitting diode comprises an excitation source, a nanocrystal-containing light conversion layer and an air layer formed therebetween to be exposed to the outside.
US08294155B2

A thin film transistor with excellent electric characteristics, a display device having the thin film transistor, and a method for manufacturing the thin film transistor and the display device are proposed. The thin film transistor includes a gate insulating film formed over a gate electrode, a microcrystalline semiconductor film formed over the gate insulating film, a buffer layer formed over the microcrystalline semiconductor film, a pair of semiconductor films to which an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added and which are formed over the buffer layer, and wirings formed over the pair of semiconductor films to which the impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added. A part of the gate insulating film or the entire gate insulating film, and/or a part of the microcrystalline semiconductor or the entire microcrystalline semiconductor includes an impurity element which serves as a donor.
US08294154B2

A semiconductor display device using a light-emitting element, which can suppress luminance unevenness among pixels due to the potential drop of a wiring, is provided. Power supply lines to which a power supply potential is supplied are electrically connected to each other in a display region where a plurality of pixels are arranged. Further, an interlayer insulating film is formed over a wiring (an auxiliary power supply line) for electrically connecting the power supply lines to each other in the display region and a gate electrode of a transistor included in a pixel; and the power supply lines are formed over the interlayer insulating film which is formed over the auxiliary power supply line and the gate electrode. Furthermore, a wiring (an auxiliary wiring) formed over the interlayer insulating film is electrically or directly connected to the auxiliary power supply line.
US08294150B2

Provided may be a panel structure, a display device including the panel structure, and methods of manufacturing the panel structure and the display device. Via holes for connecting elements of the panel structure may be formed by performing one process. For example, via holes for connecting a transistor and a conductive layer spaced apart from the transistor may be formed by performing only one process.
US08294146B2

Mg is doped in a ZnO-containing semiconductor layer in a concentration range from 1×1017 cm−3 to 2×1020 cm−3.
US08294145B1

An organic light emitting diode device is disclosed. The organic light emitting diode device includes a substrate, a first electrode layer, a first insulating layer, at least one controlling electrode layer, a second insulating layer, at least one light emitting layer, a third insulating layer, and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is formed on the substrate and includes a first area and a second area adjacent to the first area. The first insulating layer, the controlling electrode layer, and the second insulating layer are sequentially formed on the first area. The light emitting layer is formed on the second area. The second electrode layer is formed on the light emitting layer. In the present invention, the controlling electrode layer controls a recombination region of electron-hole pair so as to achieve an objective of adjusting a color temperature.
US08294139B2

Multi-layer antireflection coatings, devices including multi-layer antireflection coatings and methods of forming the same are disclosed. A block copolymer is applied to a substrate and self-assembled into parallel lamellae above a substrate. The block copolymer may optionally be allowed to self-assemble into a multitude of domains oriented either substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to an underlying substrate.
US08294136B2

The purpose of the present invention is to obtain a nitride-based semiconductor light emitting element capable of improving light emission efficiency by reducing sheet resistance and a forward voltage of a translucent electrode including indium cerium oxide. The nitride-based semiconductor light emitting element of the present invention is has a translucent electrode including indium cerium oxide; and cerium oxide is contained in a ratio of 10 to 20 wt % with respect to a whole of the indium cerium oxide.
US08294135B2

A high power density photo-electronic and photo-voltaic material comprising a bio-inorganic nanophotoelectronic material with a photosynthetic reaction center protein encapsulated inside a multi-wall carbon nanotube or nanotube array. The array can be on an electrode. The photosynthetic reaction center protein can be immobilized on the electrode surface and the protein molecules can have the same orientation. A method of making a high power density photo-electronic and photo-voltaic material comprising the steps of immobilizing a bio-inorganic nanophotoelectronic material with a photosynthetic reaction center protein inside a carbon nanotube, wherein the immobilizing is by passive diffusion, wherein the immobilizing can include using an organic linker.
US08294127B2

A charged-particle beam irradiation device, which irradiates an object to be irradiated with a charged-particle beam, includes a scanning member that scans the object to be irradiated with the charged-particle beam; an irradiation amount setting unit that sets an irradiation amount of the charged-particle beam at a plurality of target scanning positions on a scanning line of the charged-particle beam with which the scanning member scans the object to be irradiated; and a scanning speed setting unit that sets a target scanning speed of the charged-particle beam at each of the target scanning positions on the basis of the irradiation amount set by the irradiation amount setting unit.
US08294123B2

The present invention relates to a laser processing method and the like having a structure for making it possible to process an object to be processed in various ways while accurately adjusting the installation state of the object. The method irradiates the object with plural adjustment laser light beams that are set in a specific positional relationship against a converging point of processing laser light beam, and adjusts the state of installation of the object while monitoring irradiation areas of the adjustment laser light beams on the surface of the object. Each irradiation directions of adjustment laser light beams is different from that of the processing laser light beam. By reflecting the irradiation condition of the adjustment laser light beam and monitored information of the irradiation areas in positional adjustment of the object, the installation state of the object can be adjusted in accordance with various kinds of processing.
US08294116B2

Optical beam modulation is accomplished with the aid of a semiconductive nanomembrane, such as a silicon nanomembrane. A photocathode modulates a beam of charged particles that flow between the carbon nanotube emitter and the anode. A light source, or other source of electromagnetic radiation, supplies electromagnetic radiation that modulates the beam of charged particles. The beam of charged particles may be electrons, ions, or other charged particles. The electromagnetic radiation penetrates a silicon dioxide layer to reach the nanomembrane and varies the amount of available charge carriers within the nanomembrane, thereby changing the resistance of the nanomembrane. As the resistance of the nanomembrane changes, the amount of current flowing through the beam may also change.
US08294111B2

A dosimeter and an associated method for detecting radiation are provided. A dosimeter includes a complementary pair of transistors, such as a first transistor that is doped in accordance with a first conductivity type, such as an n-doped metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and a second transistor that is doped in accordance with a second conductivity type, different than the first conductivity type, such as a p-doped MOSFET. The first and second transistors may be configured to generate respective outputs that shift in opposite directions in response to radiation. The dosimeter may also include a circuit element configured to determine a measure of the radiation based upon a difference between the respective outputs of the first and second transistors. The circuit element may include an amplifier configured to amplify the difference between the respective outputs of the first and second transistors.
US08294101B2

Disclosed is a net radiometer that measures the net difference between incoming solar and outgoing terrestrial radiant flux energy in the combined short-wave and long-wave far infrared spectral range. In accordance with principles of the invention, a balanced net radiometer can be constructed where each thermal absorber is formed from two separate pieces joined together to form a single thermal mass. Within each thermal absorber, each piece is coated with a separate surface coating of different spectral sensitivity. By constructing an absorber from two separate pieces, it is possible to apply spectral coatings with different curing characteristics, to thermal absorber that acts as a single thermal mass. The pieces within each thermal absorber are sized in a proportion that thermally balances the absorber's thermal sensitivity between short-wave and long-wave far infrared radiant energy.
US08294096B2

A charged particle beam device is provided, including: a charged particle beam source adapted to generate a charged particle beam on an axis; an optical aberration correction device and an objective lens device, which define a corrected beam aperture angle adjusted to reduce diffraction; and a charged particle beam tilting device; wherein the optical aberration correction device and the objective lens device are adapted to provide the charged particle beam with a beam aperture angle smaller than the corrected beam aperture angle; and wherein the charged particle beam tilting device is adapted to provide a beam tilt angle which is equal or less than the corrected beam aperture angle. Further, a method of operating a charged particle beam device is provided.
US08294081B2

A surgical lamp includes a light source, a camera, at least one rotatable polarization filter, and a control device that controls the polarization filter according to the results of an evaluation of the image which is captured by the camera.
US08294079B2

Each of even-numbered photodiodes 1 and 2 for constituting a diode of the present invention (i) has regions (regions 1a through 1c and regions 2a through 2c) whose sizes in a certain direction are identical to sizes of regions of a reference diode 5, and (ii) has a channel width equal to ½ of a channel width W of the reference diode 5. The regions 1a through 1c and the regions 2a through 2c are arranged so as to (i) extend parallel to the certain direction which is provided parallel to a channel length L of the reference diode 5, and so as to be (ii) line-symmetric or point-symmetric to each other as a whole. The photodiodes 1 and 2 are electrically connected to each other in series so as to carry out an equivalent operation to that of the reference diode 5. Employing of the photodiodes 1 and 2 provides a configuration of diodes each having an identical characteristic and occupying a reduced area on a substrate.
US08294072B2

Some embodiments pertain to a projectile that includes a casing and a plurality of fins which are secured to the casing. Each of the fins is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The fins are typically in the stowed position during storage and launch, and move to the deployed position as soon as possible after launch. Each fin includes a first foil that has a first set of openings and a second foil that includes a second set of openings. The first sets of openings in the first foils are aligned with the second sets of openings in the second foils when each of the fins is in the stowed position. The first sets of openings in the first foils are not aligned with the second sets of openings in the second foils when each of the fins is in the deployed position.
US08294068B2

Embodiments of a lamphead and apparatus utilizing same are provided herein. In some embodiments, a lamphead for use in thermal processing may include a monolithic member having a plurality of coolant passages and a plurality of lamp passages and reflector cavities, wherein each lamp passage is configured to accommodate a lamp and each reflector cavity is shaped to act as a reflector or to receive a replaceable reflector for the lamp, and wherein the plurality of coolant passages are disposed proximate to the plurality of lamp passages; and at least one heat transfer member extending from the monolithic member into each coolant passage. In some embodiments, the lamphead may be disposed in an apparatus comprising a process chamber having a substrate support, wherein the lamphead is positioned to provide energy to the substrate support.
US08294062B2

Laser beam positioning systems for material processing and methods for using such systems are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a laser-based material processing system, for example, can include (a) a radiation source configured to produce a laser beam and direct the beam along a beam path, and (b) a laser beam positioning assembly in the beam path. The laser beam positioning assembly can include a first focusing element, first and second reflective optical elements, and a second focusing element. The first focusing element can focus the laser beam to a first focal point between the first and second reflective optical elements. The first and second reflective optical elements can direct the laser beam toward a material processing area while the laser beam has a decreasing or increasing cross-sectional dimension. The second focusing element can focus the laser beam and direct the beam toward the material processing area.
US08294061B2

A machine for machining workpieces, especially metal sheets, comprises a machining device, a main drive and an auxiliary drive which is different therefrom. Both drives serve to generate a relative movement between the machining device and a workpiece for the purpose of machining the workpiece, wherein the machining device is movable relative to the workpiece and/or the workpiece is movable relative to the machining device with a main movement by means of the main drive and wherein the machining device is movable relative to the workpiece with an auxiliary movement by means of the auxiliary drive. A machine with high adaptability to different machining tasks is provided if, for the machining device, an adjusting drive is provided which is different from the main drive and by means of which the machining device can be positioned within an adjustment region into different initial positions, starting from which the machining device is movable as necessary with an auxiliary movement by means of the auxiliary drive. A method of machining workpieces comprises corresponding method steps.
US08294060B2

A method and apparatus for forming layers on a target. The apparatus and method employ a direct current plasma apparatus to form at least one layer using a plasma jet containing precursors. In some embodiments, the direct current plasma apparatus utilizes axial injection of the precursors through the cathode (in an upstream and/or downstream configuration) and/or downstream of the anode. In some embodiments, the direct current plasma apparatus can comprise a laser source for remelting the layer using a laser beam to achieve in-situ densification thereof.
US08294050B2

A limit switch assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, an inner surface that defines an inner volume and a spring engagement surface, and an outer surface. A limit switch disposed within the inner volume includes a threaded bushing section at least partially extending from the first end. A spring within the inner volume surrounds the bushing section, and engages the limit switch and the spring engagement surface. A calibration nut threaded onto the bushing section engages the first end of the housing. A seal divides the inner volume of the housing into a first volume and a second volume. A drain hole formed in the housing fluidly communicates the first volume to a surrounding environment. A terminal assembly connected to the second end of the housing seals the second volume from the surrounding environment.
US08294049B2

A rotary switch includes a body having a fixing surface, a thin-plate-like flexible substrate fixed onto the fixing surface and having a plurality of first electrodes arranged along a first circle on a first electrode placement surface, a thin-plate-like electrode plate having a plurality of second electrodes arranged along a second circle on a second electrode placement surface facing the first electrode placement surface, the electrode plate being rotatable along the second circle, a dial having an operating surface and rotatable along the second circle, and a resilient member interposed between an opposite operating surface of the dial and a resilient member surface. The electrode plate has a plurality of electrode plate protrusions in the circumferential direction on the resilient member surface. The dial has a plurality of dial protrusions in the circumferential direction on the opposite operating surface.
US08294048B2

A sensor structure of a touch panel and a method of determining a touch signal generated by the same are disclosed. The sensor structure includes a plurality of sensor lines disposed on a surface of a substrate, and a control circuit electrically connected to the sensor lines. Each of the sensor lines has a plurality of conductive pads and a conductive line electrically connected the conductive pads. The control circuit receives a touch signal from one of the sensor lines. The touch signal is resulting from a touch capacitance generated between a touch and one of the conductive pads of the sensor line. The control circuit calculates the position of the touch based on the touch capacitance. In addition, the touch capacitance generated by a conductive pad close to the control circuit is larger than the touch capacitance generated by another conductive pad further away from the control circuit.
US08294041B2

A circuit board including a first dielectric layer having a first surface and a second surface, a first circuit layer, a second dielectric layer, and a second circuit layer is provided. At least one trench is formed on the first surface, and the first circuit layer is formed on an inside wall of the trench. In addition, the second dielectric layer is disposed in the trench, and covers the first circuit layer. The second circuit layer is disposed in the trench, and the second dielectric layer is located between the first circuit layer and the second circuit layer. A manufacturing method of the circuit board is further provided.
US08294036B2

In a dielectric element, the side faces are roughened so that the surface roughness Ra is 15 nm or greater. By this means, the area of contact between a glass epoxy resin substrate and insulating material is increased, adhesion with resin substrates is improved, and strength and reliability can be enhanced when buried between two resin substrates. In the dielectric element, the surface roughness Ra of side surfaces is 5000 nm or less, so that when burying the dielectric element between a glass epoxy resin substrate and insulating material, the occurrence of air bubbles between the surface of the dielectric element and the resin can be prevented.
US08294016B2

A method of teaching reading includes displaying, by an application executing on a computing device, a singing exercise configured to allow a user to sing along as a song is played. Lyrics of the song are displayed as the song plays, thus allowing the user to read the lyrics as the user sings along to the song. An audio input is monitored as the song is played. A score representing how accurately the audio input matches the song is calculated. The score is provided to the user. A series of target pitch lines representative of target pitches on the display and a target pitch area encompassed about each target pitch line may be displayed. A pitch tracking line from the audio input may be computed and displayed.
US08294008B2

Carbon nanotubes are formed on projections on a substrate. A metal, such as nickel is deposited on the substrate with optional platforms, and heated to form the projections. Carbon nanotubes are formed from the projections by heating in an ethylene, methane or CO atmosphere. A heat sensor is also formed proximate the carbon nanotubes. When exposed to IR radiation, the heat sensor detects changes in temperature representative of the IR radiation. In a gas sensor, a thermally isolated area, such as a pixel is formed on a substrate with an integrated heater. A pair of conductors each have a portion adjacent a portion of the other conductor with projections formed on the adjacent portions of the conductors. Multiple carbon nanotubes are formed between the conductors from one projection to another. IV characteristics of the nanotubes are measured between the conductors in the presence of a gas to be detected.
US08294007B2

A membrane is disclosed made from a compound having a hydrophilic head group, an aliphatic tail group, and a polymerizable functional group. The membrane spans an aperture and may be polymerized. The membrane may be useful for DNA sequencing when the membrane includes an ion channel.
US08294003B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV215542. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV215542, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV215542 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV215542 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV215542.
US08294000B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH287946. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH287946, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH287946 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH287946.
US08293989B1

A novel soybean variety, designated XBP00801 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP00801, cells from soybean variety XBP00801, plants of soybean XBP00801, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP00801. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP00801 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP00801, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP00801. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP00801 are further provided.
US08293986B1

A novel soybean variety, designated XBP45002 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP45002, cells from soybean variety XBP45002, plants of soybean XBP45002, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP45002. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP45002 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP45002, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP45002. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP45002 are further provided.
US08293978B2

A Δ5 fatty acid desaturase gene, a Δ6 fatty acid desaturase gene, and a Δ6 fatty-acid-chain elongase gene are isolated from a single species of Marchantiales. By introducing these genes into higher plants, transformed plants which can produce arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are obtained.
US08293976B2

Preparation and use of isolated nucleic acids useful in altering the oil phenotype of plants are described. Isolated nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides are described that alter the content of alpha-tocotrienol, beta-tocotrienol, or both, in transformed seeds and oil obtained from the transformed seeds. Expression cassettes, host cells and transformed plants are described that contain the foregoing nucleic acids.
US08293964B2

A flexible, multilayer wound dressing with antibacterial and antifungal properties, together with methods for making the dressing. The dressing includes a layer of silver-containing fabric, a layer of absorbent material, and (optionally) a layer of flexible air-permeable and/or water-impermeable material. The dressing can be used for prophylactic and therapeutic care and treatment of skin infections and surface wounds (including surgical incisions), as a packing material, and as a swab for surface cleaning.
US08293959B2

A process for purification of an aromatic fraction containing acetylenes as impurities by selective hydrogenation of the acetylenes by means of a catalyst containing nickel or palladium at a temperature of not more than about 60° C. is described.
US08293958B2

A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. In particular, a method for biomass fractioning, comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets.
US08293955B2

The production process for 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorohexafluorobutane of the present invention is characterized in that 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobutane is reacted with fluorine in the presence of a solvent containing hydrogen fluoride. The 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobutane may be obtained by chlorination of 3,4-dichlorobutene-1. Further, the present invention provides as well a process of refining 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorohexafluorobutane obtained in the manner described above. According to the present invention, 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorohexafluorobutane which is useful, for example, as a synthetic raw material for hexafluoro-1,3-butadiene used as an etching gas for semiconductors can industrially efficiently be produced by using 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobutane which is a by-product of chloroprene and which has so far been disposed.
US08293950B2

A method of preparing monopentaerythritol, dipentaerthritol, and sodium formate through high temperature condensation and cascade recrystallization is disclosed. The method lowers the energy consumption dramatically and improves the cost-effectiveness by carrying out the reaction in a non-low-temperature zone, and thereby avoiding the requirement for refrigeration. The method alleviates the difficulty of separation and improves the product quality by means of cascade separation process, and thereby avoiding the low purity from a single separation. In addition, the mother liquor obtained after each separation step is recycled to the previous step as the recycling liquor, which avoids discharging waste, increases the product yield and lowers raw materials consumption.
US08293944B2

A reaction apparatus which is used for conducting a gas-liquid chemical reaction in a state that a liquid is in a continuous phase, wherein its reactor has therein a shear type stirring impeller for dispersing a raw reaction gas or a carrier gas and a film-formed catalyst, which apparatus is capable of producing a target reaction product; and a process for producing a tertiary amine in such reaction apparatus.
US08293940B2

The present invention relates to a process for recovery and purification of lactic acid from a fermentation broth containing lactic acid. The process comprises subjecting the fermentation broth to ultrafiltration and/or microfiltration to form a first permeate, concentrating the first permeate to form concentrated broth, subjecting the concentrated broth to supported liquid membrane for extraction of lactic acid into a separate stream, subjecting the extracted lactic acid solution to activated carbon for removal of color, subjecting the extracted lactic acid solution to cation exchange resin for deminerization, subjecting the extracted lactic acid solution to anion exchange resin for removal of anionic impurities and concentrating the extracted lactic acid solution to desired concentration. The supported liquid membrane of the present invention contains an organic layer that comprises a earner, a co-extractant, a diluent and a stabilizer.
US08293938B2

The invention relates to alkylphosphonous acids, salts and esters of formula (I) A-P(═O)(OX)—H (I) wherein A is C2-C20alkyl, C2-C20alkylene, and C8-C20 alkaryl are optionally substituted, and X is H, alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, alkenyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, alkenyl, ammonium, primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary alkyl and/or aryl ammonium, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a metal of the third and fourth main group and the second, fourth and eight sub-group or a metal of the lanthanoid group. The invention also relates to methods for producing same and to the uses of said compounds.
US08293935B2

A method of producing an alkyl ester of a carboxylic acid is provided, the method comprising: adding an alkanol and a mineral acid to a carboxylic acid salt to provide a carboxylic acid/alkanol solution and a precipitated mineral acid salt; separating the mineral acid salt from the carboxylic acid/alkanol solution; esterifying the carboxylic acid; and isolating an alkyl ester of the carboxylic acid.
US08293933B2

The object of the present invention is to inexpensively produce a carrier having a hydrophilic spacer, for immobilizing biological materials, etc., which has been very expensive so far. The present invention relates to a method of producing a substance immobilizing carrier, in which carboxyl groups or active ester groups are positioned on a support, which is characterized by including: a functional group-introducing step in which a functional group is introduced on a surface of a support; a hydrophilic compound binding step in which a hydrophilic compound having a binding group that can bind with the functional group and a hydroxyl group, is bound to the functional group through binding between the functional group and the binding group; a carboxyl group-forming step in which a carboxyl group is formed through ring-opening half-esterification between a cyclic acid anhydride and a hydroxyl group on the bound hydrophilic compound; and, if necessary, an active esterification step in which the carboxyl group formed in the carboxyl group forming step is converted into an active ester.
US08293924B2

An improved process for the preparation of carbapenem antibiotic of formula (I) or its hydrate is provided.
US08293922B2

Provided are processes of preparing glycolurils and cucurbiturils using the glycolurils by microwave irradiation. Therefore, condensation and cyclization reactions for preparation of industrially widely applied cucurbituril derivatives, oxidation reaction for preparation of hydroxycucurbiturils, and condensation and cyclization reactions between glycolurils and paraformaldehyde or a formaldehyde solution can be efficiently performed in a short time.
US08293920B2

The tetracycline class of antibiotics has played a major role in the treatment of infectious diseases for the past 50 years. However, the increased use of the tetracyclines in human and veterinary medicine has led to resistance among many organisms previously susceptible to tetracycline antibiotics. The recent development of a modular synthesis of tetracycline analogs through a chiral enone intermediate has allowed for the efficient synthesis of novel tetracycline analogs never prepared before. The present invention provides a more efficient route for preparing the enone intermediate.
US08293919B2

The present invention provides novel sulfone and sulfoxide substituted heterocyclic urea compounds having useful antibacterial activity. Use of these compounds as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of production are provided.
US08293916B2

The present invention relates to diazole derivatives of the general formula wherein A, E, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in application and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The invention also relates to use of such compounds for the treatment of diseases mediated by the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR), such as anxiety, chronic and acute pain, protection against liver damage, urinary incontinence, obesity, Fragile-X and autism, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, ischemia, Huntington's chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dementia caused by AIDs, and Parkinson's disease.
US08293900B2

Certain novel N-acylated spiropiperidine derivatives are ligands of the human melanocortin receptor(s) and, in particular, are selective ligands of the human melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R). They are therefore useful for the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the modulation of MC-4R, such as obesity, diabetes, nicotine addiction, alcoholism, sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction.
US08293885B2

The invention includes compositions and methods of detection of Bacillus anthracis that use oligonucleotide probes specific for genetic material contained in the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids in nucleic acid hybridization reactions. Embodiments of the method may include additional probes specific for other gene sequences to distinguish B. anthracis from other bacterial species present in a sample or to provide an indication that the assay was performed properly even when no Bacillus sequence is detected.
US08293883B2

Engineered antibodies to human IL-23p19 are provided, as well as uses thereof, e.g., in treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, and proliferative disorders.
US08293871B2

This invention relates to compositions for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides, and methods of forming and using said compositions, for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein, a biologically active polypeptide and a sugar.
US08293867B2

The present invention provides a simple, non-destructive and versatile method that enables layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly to be performed on virtually any substrate. A catechol-functionalized polymer which adsorbs to virtually all surfaces and can serve as a platform for LbL assembly in a surface-independent fashion is also provided.
US08293865B2

A series of novel phosphorus-containing compounds having the following formula is provided: in which: R1-R4, A, Q and m are as defined in the specification. A process for the preparation of the compound of formula (I) is also provided. A polymer of formula (PA), and preparation process and use thereof are further provided. A polymer of formula (PI), and preparation process and use thereof are also provided.
US08293863B2

The present invention provides polyamide curing agent compositions comprising the reaction products of (1) multifunctional amines of structure 1 where R1 is CH2CH2CH2NH2; R2, R3 and R4 independently are H or CH2CH2CH2NH2, and X is CH2CH2 or CH2CH2CH2 with (2) dimer fatty acids, optionally in combination with monofunctional fatty acids, the reaction product preferably comprising at least 15 wt % tetrahydropyrimidine-containing components. The curing agent compositions are useful for crosslinking epoxy resins to produce coatings, adhesives, floorings, composites and other articles.
US08293861B2

An optical film comprising a copolycarbonate composed of 25 to 90 mol % of unit (A) of the following formula, and 10 to 75 mol % of unit (B) of the following formula, wherein the substituents are defined herein, and the optical film satisfies the following expression (1), R(450)
US08293857B2

Process for polymerization of ethylene using a catalyst system including (i) a solid catalyst of Ti, Mg and halogen, (ii) a first activator which is at least one trialkylaluminium compound of the formula AlR3, where each R is independently a C2 to C20 alkyl radical, and (iii) a second activator which is at least one alkylaluminium chloride of the formula AlR′2Cl, where each R′ is independently a C2 to C20 alkyl radical. The second activator is introduced directly into the polymerization reactor, without precontact with the solid catalyst, continuously or semi-continuously, and at a maximum rate of introduction at any time corresponding to less than 10 ppm by weight of chlorine relative to the rate of polyethylene production.
US08293848B2

Curable compositions are disclosed, containing at least one organopolysiloxane, which contains at least one hydroxyl group and/or group which can be hydrolyzed, in aqueous dispersion, i) at least one oganopolysiloxane having a dynamic viscosity of 0.05 to 7 (measured according to Brookfield DV-II+, spindle 3, 23° C.), which is free of hydroxyl groups and/or groups which can be hydrolyzed, in aqueous dispersion, at least one cross-linking agent, at least one emulsifier, at least one cross-linking catalyst, at least one aqueous silicon-free polymer dispersion, at least one filler, and optionally water. The compositions are suitable as sealants, adhesives, or coating agents for application in the construction field, in particular in the sanitary field and in the kitchen field. They are characterized in relation to aqueous silicone preparations known up to this point by an improved adhesion spectrum, in particular on plastic substrates.
US08293845B2

A method for increasing the efficacy of hydrophobically modified (meth)acrylic based polymers to increase the critical micelle concentration of a surfactant composition by attenuating the degree of neutralization (DN) of the polymer is disclosed.
US08293841B2

The present invention relates to an optical film in which a photoelasticity coefficient is easily controlled according to the content of an aromatic based resin having a chain having the hydroxy group containing portion and aromatic moiety, a method for manufacturing the same, and an information electronic device comprising the optical film.
US08293838B2

A stable and sterile adhesive composition with a controlled level of high viscosity is disclosed in the present invention. Adhesive compositions with different ranges of viscosity could be prepared by heating the adhesive monomer composition at mild temperature in the presence of pluronic polymer. The viscosity of the adhesive composition is able to be controlled to any desired level. A method of stabilizing the adhesive composition with a desired level of high viscosity is provided by using the combination of free radical and acid stabilizers. Methods for packaging, sterilizing and applying the adhesive in the medical field are also provided.
US08293832B2

A conjugated diene polymer obtained by reacting one end of a conjugated diene polymer having a monomer unit based on a conjugated diene and a monomer unit based on a compound represented by Formula (1) with a compound represented by Formula (2) wherein the content of the monomer unit based on the compound represented by Formula (1) is 0.01 to 20% by weight relative to 100% by weight of the total amount of the monomer unit in the conjugated diene polymer: wherein R11, R12, R21-R25,A, m and n are as defined in the specification.
US08293829B2

Colloidal dispersions of inorganic particles in a liquid phase include ampholytic copolymers containing at least one macromolecular chain B and a moiety A bonded to a single end thereof and in which the macromolecular chain B includes cationic units Bc, deriving from cationic monomers Bc and the moiety A is a polymeric or non-polymeric group containing at least one anionic or potentially anionic group; such dispersions may have a positive zeta potential within a pH ranging from 1 to 11.
US08293822B2

The present technology provides a rubber-metal composite having high water resistant adhesion strength and a pneumatic tire using the same by providing a rubber-metal composite having metal reinforcing cords embedded in a rubber composition including from 0.05 to 10 parts by mass of a benzothiazole anticorrosive and/or a benzotriazole anticorrosive per 100 parts of a diene rubber. The present technology also provides a pneumatic tire using the rubber-metal composite.
US08293821B1

An improved composite wood adhesive extender, a method of producing the extender, and an adhesive mixture including the extender are provided, wherein the extender has performance satisfactory to the manufacturing needs of composite and ply wood products, while also extending the adhesive at a reasonable cost. The adhesive mixture may comprise a primary and secondary extender. The primary extender is composed of a wood-based product. The secondary extender of the present invention is composed of an amylaceous material comprising 100% substantially uncooked flour or starch, or an amylaceous material comprising 100% substantially uncooked flour or starch blended with a high fiber by-product. Alternatively, the secondary extender is composed of pre-gelatinized flour or starch and a mixture of pre-gelatinized flour or starch with flour comprising an advantageous quantity of raw starch. The secondary extender may substitute for about 25-40% of the primary extender on about a 1:1 ratio basis.
US08293813B2

The present invention provides a demineralized bone carrier matrix which is tolerant of bending, stretching and compression. The material comprises a carrier base material cross-linked with a multifunctional polymer. Demineralized bone matrix may be dispersed with the carrier matrix. The demineralized bone carrier matrix may be used as a bone graph substitute. Methods for making the carrier matrix are also provided.
US08293803B2

The invention relates to retinoid compounds of the formula (I): wherein V is a hydrophobic group; W is a non-polyenic linker; and X is a polar group comprising a hydrogen bond donor; or a salt thereof, and to the use of such compounds in the control of cell differentiation.
US08293797B2

The subject invention relates in part to the oral administration of ecdysteroids for controlling subterranean termites. Preferred ecdysteroids for use according to the subject invention are ecdysone, certain ecdysone analogs, and 20-hydroxyecdysone, for example. In some preferred embodiments, one or more of these compounds is used in a termite bait in combination with one or more chitin synthesis inhibitors. Thus, the subject invention also relates in part to controlling termites by the use of a chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI), such as hexaflumuron and/or noviflumuron, together with an ecdysteroid (and analogs thereof) or molt-accelerating compound (MAC), such as halofenozide. The subject invention also relates to mixtures comprising these two active ingredients. The MAC/ecdysteroid analog induces a preliminary molting event in termite workers (they could not complete the molting), which then allows the CSI to further disrupt the molt and cause mortality. The combination of these active ingredients, causing accelerated molting together with inhibition of chitin synthesis, is surprisingly shown herein to enhance activity against termites, as compared to either group of compounds alone.
US08293796B2

The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Z is OR1 or NR1R2 wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently H, or a hydrocarbyl group; X is an alkylene, alkenylene, or alkynylene group, each of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from alkyl, COOH, CO2-alkyl, alkenyl, CN, NH2, hydroxy, halo, alkoxy, CF3 and nitro; Y is a polar functional group selected from OH, NO2, CN, COR3, COOR3, NR3R4, CONR3R4, SO3H, SO2—R3, SO2NR3R4 and CF3, where each of R3 and R4 is independently H or a hydrocarbyl group; A is an aryl or heteroaryl group, each of which may be optionally substituted; and B is (CH2)n where n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; with the proviso that: (i) when A is phenyl, n is 0, and Z is OH, X—Y is other than meta-C≡—C—(CH2)2CO2H, meta-C≡—C—(CH2)2OH, meta-C≡C—(CH2)2CO2Me, meta-(CH2)4CO2H, ortho-CH2CO2H, ortho-(CH2)2CO2H and ortho-(CH2)4CO2H; and (ii) when A is phenyl, n is 0, and Z is OMe, X—Y is other than meta-C≡C—(CH2)4OH. Further aspects of the invention relate to the use of such compounds in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a muscular disorder, a gastrointestinal disorder, or for controlling spasticity or tremors.
US08293792B2

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.
US08293783B2

Artesunate is a derivative of artemisinin isolated from a Chinese herb Artemisia annua L. It is used clinically for the treatment of malaria. We investigated potential anti-inflammatory actions of artemisinin derivatives. artemisinin derivatives significantly inhibited OVA-induced signs, symptoms and parameter of airway disorders Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects of artemisinin derivatives. Artemisinin derivatives can be used to complement or to replace oral steroids during asthma exacerbation treatment. Further artemisinin derivatives can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent for controlling airway disorders.
US08293773B2

The present invention relates to 1,2,3-triazole derivatives which can be used as cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists. In addition, the compound of the 1,2,3-triazole derivatives in the present invention can be formulated into a pharmaceutical composition for treating indications relative to signal transduction of CB1 receptors.
US08293767B2

The invention provides an acid addition salt of 4-(2,6-dichloro-benzoylamino)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid piperidin-4-ylamide and crystals thereof, the salt being formed with an acid selected from methanesulphonic acid and acetic acid and mixtures thereof.Also provided are the novel uses of salts of 4-(2,6-dichloro-benzoylamino)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid piperidin-4-ylamide, processes for the preparation of 4-(2,6-dichloro-benzoylamino)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid piperidin-4-ylamide and its salts and novel chemical intermediates.
US08293765B2

An injectable depot formulation comprising crystals having structure (I) wherein R is (FII) and the X50 value of the crystals is from 1 to 200 microns. Depot formulations containing crystals of iloperidone or its metabolites have the following advantages: (i) release of the crystals in plasma can be correlated with the size of the crystals; (ii) absorption of the crystals in plasma can be correlated with the size of the crystals; (iii) the particle size of the crystals can be controlled by crystal engineering and/or milling; and (iv) the crystals are stable upon storage, and stable to sterilization procedures, such as gamma irradiation.
US08293761B2

Provided are certain chemical entities, and methods of use to modulate skeletal myosin, skeletal actin, skeletal tropomyosin, skeletal troponin C, skeletal troponin I, skeletal troponin T, and skeletal muscle, including fragments and isoforms thereof, as well as the skeletal sarcomere, and methods of use in the treatment of obesity, sarcopenia, wasting syndrome, frailty, cachexia, muscle spasm, post-surgical and post-traumatic muscle weakness, neuromuscular disease, and other indications.
US08293759B2

The present invention is directed to spiropiperidine compounds of formula (I) which are inhibitors of the beta-secretase enzyme and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the treatment of such diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved.
US08293753B2

The present invention relates to compounds of formula I and salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as defined in the description, to compositions and use of the compounds in the treatment of diseases ameliorated by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.
US08293746B2

The invention relates to heteroaryl aryl ureas of the formula IA, wherein the radicals and symbols have the meanings as defined herein, the use of such compounds in the treatment of protein kinase dependent diseases; to pharmaceutical preparations comprising said heteroaryl aryl ureas, to processes for the manufacture of such novel compounds and to methods of treatment comprising the use of such heteroaryl aryl ureas.
US08293734B2

The current invention pertains to nitroimidazooxazine and nitroimidazooxazole analogues, their methods of preparation, and uses of the compounds as treatment for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, for use as anti-tubercular drugs, for use as anti-protozoal agents with unexpectedly high potency against Trypanosoma cruzi or Leishmania donovani, and for the treatment of other microbial infections.
US08293727B2

In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating and/or preventing cardiovascular-related disease and, in particular, a method of blood lipid therapy comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising eicosapentaenoic acid or a derivative thereof.
US08293724B2

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an enzyme responsible for the degradation of oleamide (an endogenous sleep-inducing lipid) and anandamide (an endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptors). Disclosed herein are potent inhibitors of FAAH and methods for their use for treating a variety of disorder, including hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy.
US08293721B2

Compounds having the structure of Formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds, are potent CETP inhibitors, and are useful for raising HDL-cholesterol, reducing LDL-cholesterol, and for treating or preventing atherosclerosis. In formula I, A-B is an arylamide moiety.
US08293715B2

A novel 10a-azalide compound crosslinked at the 10a- and 12-positions, which is represented by the following formula, and is effective on even Hemophilus influenzae, or erythromycin resistant bacteria (e.g., resistant pneumococci and streptococci).
US08293712B2

Cosmetic composition which can be applied topically, comprising at least one compound of the general formula (I) in which R1 is H, C1-C20-alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl-C1-C4-alkyl, n is 1-4, X is —O—, —NH— or —NR2— and R2H or C1-C20-alkyl; and at least one compound corresponding to the above formula (I) but in which XR1 with X having the possible meaning of —NH— is the residue of an alpha-amino acid; use of these compounds and of the composition for stimulating the synthesis of the proteins of the basement membrane; and also both those compounds of the formula (I) in which X is —NR2— and both R1 and R2 are different from H, and the compounds corresponding to formula (I) but in which XR1 with X having the possible meaning of —NH— is the residue of an alpha-amino acid, as such.
US08293709B2

We disclose growth hormone [GH] fusion proteins that have increased in vivo stability and activity; nucleic acid molecules encoding said proteins and methods of treatment of growth hormone deficiency that use said fusion proteins. The GH fusion proteins comprise human GH covalently linked to the extracellular domain of Growth Hormone Receptor [GHR] either as a direct in-frame translational fusion or via a flexible peptide linker. The GH/GHR fusion proteins have exceptional pharmacokinetics and are potent growth hormone receptor agonists. The GH/GHR fusion proteins form head to tail dimers.
US08293708B2

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising pegylated growth hormone at pH 7 or below are provided.
US08293701B2

An object of the invention is to provide methods and compositions relating to a vaccine against prostate cancer which includes a non-human-primate PSA for administration to humans to provide an immune response against human PSA. More generally, an object of the invention is to provide methods and compositions relating to using a non-human primate xenogeneic antigen (e.g. protein) in a human, wherein, with respect to the non-human primate xenogeneic antigen that is used, there are relatively few interspecies differences between the non-human primate xenogeneic antigen and the human self antigen in order to induce an optimal immune response in the human to its native self antigen.
US08293700B2

The invention relates to an anti-bacterial composition, especially for controlling gram-negative bacteria, containing a combination of: a) at least one peptide of between 10 and 25 amino acid residues comprising: i) two positively charged domains with a neutral pH consisting of between 3 and 9 amino acid residues, at least two thirds thereof being cationic amino acids, ii) a group of two to three non-cationic amino acid residues located between said positively charged domains, iii) a group of between 0 and 10, preferably between 0 and 5, amino acid residues selected from the group comprising non-hydrophobic amino acids and positively charged amino acids, located at one of the terminal ends N or C of the peptide, a positively charged amino acid residue, however, not being directly adjacent to the positively charged domains; and b) at least one anti-bacterial compound.
US08293699B2

A composition for cleaning or rinsing hard surfaces in an aqueous or aqueous/alcoholic medium including at least one organophosphorus material for contributing to said surfaces antideposition and/or antiadhesion properties with regard to soiling substances capable of being deposited on the surfaces.
US08293697B2

Fluid detergent compositions comprising from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of an external structurant comprising dibenzylidene sorbitol acetal derivatives for providing desired rheological benefits such as product thickening, shear thinning behavior, as well as particle suspension capabilities.
US08293687B2

The present invention is directed to novel additives packages, to fluid compositions including the additives, to methods of using the fluid compositions and the additives package, to methods of recovering hydrocarbons, and to petroleum products made from hydrocarbons derived from these methods. The novel additives packages may be used in a fluid composition for fracturing a subterranean. The additives package of the present invention include one or more gelling agents; one or more cross-linking agent; and one or more high temperature stabilizers; wherein the additives package further comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of a clay stabilizer, a metallic base, a cross-link retarder, and a gel breaker, and any combination thereof; and wherein the additives package optionally includes a diluent.
US08293682B2

The invention provides a growth regulator for gramineous weeds, particularly those growing in turf, which comprises, as an active ingredient, cytokinin and/or an ethylene-producing substance in combination with cytokinin; and a method for regulating the growth of gramineous weeds with the relevant growth regulator more economically with ease.
US08293680B2

Fungicidal mixtures comprising, as active components: 1) triticonazole of the formula I and 2) difenoconazole of the formula II in a synergistically effective amount, and also compositions comprising these mixtures.
US08293675B2

The invention relates to a process for producing a catalyst comprising a metal of the platinum group and a second metal selected from among the metals of the platinum group or the transition metals, in which a catalyst comprising the metal of the platinum group is mixed with a complex comprising the second metal to give a dry powder in a first step and the powder is subsequently heat treated to form a compound between the metal of the platinum group and the second metal. The invention further relates to the use of the catalyst produced according to the invention.
US08293664B1

A process for producing a polyvinyl alcohol film or fabric having a modified non-porous surface which can be used to form disposable protective clothing, wraps, and articles similar to TYVEK® by impinging steam on at least one surface.
US08293663B2

A pixel array in an image sensor includes multiple pixels. The pixel array includes vertical shift registers for shifting charge out of the pixel array. The vertical shift registers can be interspersed between the pixels, such as in an interline image sensor, or the photosensitive areas in the pixels can operate as vertical shift registers. The pixels are divided into blocks of pixels. One or more electrodes are disposed over each pixel. Conductive strips are disposed over the electrodes. Contacts are used to connect selected electrodes to respective conductive strips. The contacts in at least one block of pixels are positioned according to one contact pattern while the contacts in one or more other blocks are positioned according to a different contact pattern. The different contact patterns reduce or eliminate visible patterns in the contact locations.
US08293661B2

One embodiment of the present invention is to achieve high mobility in a device using an oxide semiconductor and provide a highly reliable display device. An oxide semiconductor layer including a crystal region in which c-axis is aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface is formed and an oxide insulating layer is formed over and in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer. Oxygen is supplied to the oxide semiconductor layer by third heat treatment. A nitride insulating layer containing hydrogen is formed over the oxide insulating layer and fourth heat treatment is performed, so that hydrogen is supplied at least to an interface between the oxide semiconductor layer and the oxide insulating layer.
US08293656B2

A selective self-aligned dual patterning method. The method includes performing a single lithography operation to form a patterned mask having a narrow feature in a region of a substrate that is to a have pitch-reduced feature and a wide feature in a region of the substrate that is to have a non-pitch-reduced feature. Using the patterned mask, a template mask is formed with a first etch and the patterned mask is then removed from the narrow feature while being retained over the wide feature. The template mask is then thinned with a second etch to introduce a thickness delta in the template mask between the narrow and wide features. A spacer mask is then formed and the thinned narrow template mask is removed to leave a pitch double spacer mask while the thick wide template mask feature is retained to leave a non-pitch reduced mask.
US08293647B2

Embodiments of the present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for processing semiconductor substrates. One embodiment provides a method provides a method for processing a substrate comprising forming a seed layer over a substrate having trench or via structures formed therein, coating a portion of the seed layer with an organic passivation film, and immersing the trench or via structures in a plating solution to deposit a conductive material over the seed layer not covered by the organic passivation film.
US08293644B2

Methods of forming a semiconductor include forming an insulation layer over a semiconductor substrate in which a first region and a second region are defined. A storage node contact (SNC) that passes through the insulation layer is formed and is electrically connected to the first region. A conductive layer that passes through the insulation layer is deposited and is electrically connected to the second region on the insulation layer and the SNC. A bit line is formed by removing an upper portion of the conductive layer, an upper portion of the insulation layer and an upper portion of the SNC until the SNC and the conductive layer are electrically separated from each other, wherein the bit line is a remaining part of the conductive layer.
US08293641B2

By forming metallization structures on the basis of an imprint technique, in which via openings and trenches may be commonly formed, a significant reduction of process complexity may be achieved due to the omission of at least one further alignment process as required in conventional process techniques. Furthermore, the flexibility and efficiency of imprint lithography may be increased by providing appropriately designed imprint molds in order to provide via openings and trenches exhibiting an increased fill capability, thereby also improving the performance of the finally obtained metallization structures with respect to reliability, resistance against electromigration and the like.
US08293638B2

Method of forming wires in integrated circuits. The methods include forming a wire in a first dielectric layer on a substrate; forming a dielectric barrier layer over the wire and the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the barrier layer; forming one or more patterned photoresist layers over the second dielectric layer; performing a reactive ion etch to etch a trench through the second dielectric layer and not through the barrier layer; performing a second reactive ion etch to extend the trench through the barrier layer; and after performing the second reaction ion etch, removing the one or more patterned photoresist layers, a last formed patterned photoresist layer removed using a reducing plasma or a non-oxidizing plasma. The methods include forming wires by similar methods to a metal-insulator-metal capacitor.
US08293637B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes burying a conductive pattern in an insulating film made of SiOH, SiCOH or organic polymer, treating surfaces of the insulating film and the conductive pattern with plasma which includes a hydrocarbon gas as a treatment gas, and forming a diffusion barrier film, which is formed of an SiCH film, an SiCHN film, an SiCHO film or an SiCHON film, over the insulating film and the conductive pattern with performing a plasma CVD by adding an Si-containing gas to the treatment gas while increasing the addition amount gradually or in a step-by-step manner.
US08293636B2

A semiconductor device disclosed herein includes a conductive connection structure having a stepped profile that serves as a stress relief feature. The conductive connection structure includes a stress buffer arrangement for a contact pad. The stress buffer arrangement has a stepped via that terminates at the contact pad, and the stepped via has a plurality of inwardly sloped and concentric sections in a stacked orientation. The connection structure also includes underbump metallization overlying at least a portion of the contact pad and lining the stepped via, and a conductive connection element coupled to the underbump metallization. The conductive connection element fills the lined recess.
US08293634B2

Structures with improved solder bump connections and methods of fabricating such structures are provided herein. The structure includes a trench formed in a dielectric layer which has at least a portion thereof devoid of a fluorine boundary layer. The structure further includes a copper wire in the trench having at least a bottom portion thereof in contact with the non-fluoride boundary layer of the trench. A lead free solder bump is in electrical contact with the copper wire.
US08293633B2

A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile memory device comprises providing a semiconductor substrate defining active regions and isolation regions with a gate insulating layer and a floating gate formed over each active region and isolation layer formed in the respective isolation regions, forming a dielectric layer on a surface of the isolation layers and the floating gates, forming a polysilicon layer over the dielectric layer through a polysilicon deposition process using a nitrogen source gas, a silicon source gas, and an impurity doping gas, and patterning the polysilicon layer to form a control gate.
US08293623B2

An epitaxial SiC single crystal substrate including a SiC single crystal wafer whose main surface is a c-plane or a surface that inclines a c-plane with an angle of inclination that is more than 0 degree but less than 10 degrees, and SiC epitaxial film that is formed on the main surface of the SiC single crystal wafer, wherein the dislocation array density of threading edge dislocation arrays that are formed in the SiC epitaxial film is 10 arrays/cm2 or less.
US08293618B2

A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a trench on a semiconductor substrate to define an active region, forming a radical oxide layer on a sidewall and a bottom surface of the trench, and forming a nitride layer on the radical oxide layer. The conduction band offset of the radical oxide layer is greater than the conduction band offset of a thermal oxide layer having the same thickness as the radical oxide layer.
US08293606B2

A body tie test structure and methods for its manufacture are provided. The transistor comprises a body-tied semiconductor on insulator (SOI) transistor formed in a layer of semiconductor material, the transistor comprising a cross-shaped gate structure with a substantially constant gate length L. An insulating blocking layer enables formation of a spacer region in the layer of semiconductor material separating the source and drain regions from the body tie region. A conductive channel with substantially the same inversion characteristics as the intrinsic transistor body connects the body tie to the intrinsic transistor body through the spacer region.
US08293605B2

Methods are provided for fabricating a CMOS integrated circuit having a dual stress layer without NiSi hole formation. One method includes depositing a tensile stress layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. A portion of the tensile stress layer is removed, leaving a remaining portion, before applying a curing radiation. A curing radiation is then applied to the remaining portion; and a compressive stress layer is deposited overlying the semiconductor substrate and the remaining portion.
US08293594B2

An object is to improve the aperture ratio of a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a driver circuit portion and a display portion (also referred to as a pixel portion) over the same substrate. The driver circuit includes a channel-etched thin film transistor for driver circuit and a driver circuit wiring formed using metal. Source and drain electrodes of the thin film transistor for the driver circuit are formed using a metal. A channel layer of the thin film transistor for the driver circuit is formed using an oxide semiconductor. The display portion includes a bottom-contact thin film transistor for a pixel and a display portion wiring formed using an oxide conductor. Source and drain electrode layers of the thin film transistor for the pixel are formed using an oxide conductor. A semiconductor layer of the thin film transistor for the pixel is formed using an oxide semiconductor.
US08293587B2

A multi-layer pillar and method of fabricating the same is provided. The multi-layer pillar is used as an interconnect between a chip and substrate. The pillar has at least one low strength, high ductility deformation region configured to absorb force imposed during chip assembly and thermal excursions.
US08293584B2

An integrated circuit package system is provided including forming a wafer having a back side and an active side, forming a recess in the wafer from the back side, forming a cover in the recess, and singulating the wafer at the recess filled with the cover.
US08293582B2

A microchip has a bonding material that bonds a first substrate to a second substrate. The bonding material has, among other things, a rare earth metal and other material.
US08293579B2

A transition layer 38 is provided on a die pad 22 of an IC chip 20 and integrated into a multilayer printed circuit board 10. Due to this, it is possible to electrically connect the IC chip 20 to the multilayer printed circuit board 10 without using lead members and a sealing resin. Also, by providing the transition layer 38 made of copper on an aluminum pad 24, it is possible to prevent a resin residue on the pad 24 and to improve connection characteristics between the die pad 24 and a via hole 60 and reliability.
US08293570B2

A light emitting device includes a substrate and a plurality of pixel rows. The pixel rows are arranged on the substrate. Each of the pixel rows includes a first sub-pixel row having a plurality of first sub-pixels, a second sub-pixel row having a plurality of second sub-pixels, and a third sub-pixel row having a plurality of third sub-pixels. In the mth pixel row, each first sub-pixel includes a first structure layer, the first structure layers are separated from each other and each corresponds to one first sub-pixel. In the (m+n)th pixel row, the first sub-pixels include a first common structure layer, the first common structure layer corresponds to a plurality of first sub-pixels in a same row. The first structure layer and the first common structure layer commonly act as an organic functional layer or an electrode layer, and m, n are each a positive integer.
US08293566B1

An infrared focal plane array (FPA) is disclosed which utilizes a strained-layer superlattice (SLS) formed of alternating layers of InAs and InxGa1-xSb with 0≦x≦0.5 epitaxially grown on a GaSb substrate. The FPA avoids the use of a mesa structure to isolate each photodetector element and instead uses impurity-doped regions formed in or about each photodetector for electrical isolation. This results in a substantially-planar structure in which the SLS is unbroken across the entire width of a 2-D array of the photodetector elements which are capped with an epitaxially-grown passivation layer to reduce or eliminate surface recombination. The FPA has applications for use in the wavelength range of 3-25 μm.
US08293562B2

A dye-sensitized solar cell manufacturing method of the invention comprises the steps of: preparing a first electrode having an oxide semiconductor layer and a second electrode; forming a first sealing portion by melting and bonding a thermoplastic resin at a first annular section of the first electrode; forming a second sealing portion by melting and bonding a thermoplastic resin at a second annular section of the second electrode; loading a photosensitive dye on the oxide semiconductor layer; forming an electrolyte layer by arranging an electrolyte on the first electrode within the first sealing portion; and forming a sealing portion through bonding the first and second sealing portions, wherein the electrolyte layer is formed after forming the first sealing portion; the sealing portion is formed after loading the dye and forming the electrolyte layer; and the sealing portion is formed through melting the first and second sealing portions, applying pressure.
US08293556B2

There are provided a micro gas sensor and a method for fabricating the same that comprises a micro heater formed inside a polysilicon membrane by doping impurities into a specific region of the polysilicon membrane positioned under a gas sensing substance, thereby improving thermal structural stability and making it easy to form the gas sensing substance. The micro gas sensor comprises: a micro heater formed by doping impurities into polysilicon vapor-deposited on a substrate on which a first insulating layer is formed; a polysilicon membrane for decreasing a heat loss of the micro heater; a power electrode for supplying power and a temperature measurement electrode for measuring a temperature, positioned at both ends of the micro heater; a second insulating layer formed on the micro heater; a sensing substance formed on the second insulating layer, for sensing a gas; and a sensing electrode for measuring a change in properties of the sensing substance. The method for fabricating a micro gas sensor comprises steps of: forming polysilicon on a substrate on which a first insulating layer is formed; forming a micro heater by doping impurities into the polysilicon; forming electrodes at both ends of the micro heater; forming a second insulating layer on the micro heater; forming a sensing substance on the second insulating layer; and forming a sensing electrode on the sensing substance.
US08293554B2

A luminous device and a method of manufacturing the luminous device are provided. The luminous device includes a light emitting layer and first and second electrodes connected to the light emitting layer. The light emitting layer is a strained nanowire.
US08293553B2

In a method for producing at least at least one area (8) with reduced electrical conductivity within an electrically conductive III-V semiconductor layer (3), a ZnO layer (1) is applied to the area (8) of the semiconductor layer (3) and subsequently annealed at a temperature preferably between 300° C. and 500° C. The ZnO layer (1) is preferably deposited on the III-V semiconductor layer (3) at a temperature of less than 150° C., preferably at a temperature greater than or equal to 25° C. and less than or equal to 120° C. The area (8) with reduced electrical conductivity is preferably located in a radiation emitting optoelectronic device between the active zone (4) and a connecting contact (7) in order to reduce current injection into the areas of the active zone (4) located opposite to the connecting contact (7).
US08293552B2

The present invention provides a structure of a semiconductor device that realizes low power consumption even where increased in screen size, and a method for manufacturing the same. The invention forms an insulating layer, forms a buried interconnection (of Cu, Au, Ag, Ni, Cr, Pd, Rh, Sn, Pb or an alloy thereof) in the insulating layer. Furthermore, after planarizing the surface of the insulating layer, a metal protection film (Ti, TiN, Ta, TaN or the like) is formed in an exposed part. By using the buried interconnection in part of various lines (gate line, source line, power supply line, common line and the like) for a light-emitting device or liquid-crystal display device, line resistance is decreased.
US08293547B2

An embodiment of a method to form a hybrid integrated circuit device is described. This embodiment of the method comprises: forming a first die using a first lithography, where the first die is on a substrate; and forming a second die using a second lithography, where the second die is on the first die. The first lithography used to form the first die is a larger lithography than the second lithography used to form the second die. The first die is an IO die.
US08293541B2

A non-radioisotopic method measures Free T3 and/or Free T4 in a sample of a non-human species, which can be a canine.
US08293537B2

At least one embodiment of a stabilizing system includes a stabilizing agent present in an amount or concentration sufficient to completely or substantially prevent or reduce degradation or inactivation of a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a body fluid and a detection agent capable of detecting the HbA1c.
US08293524B2

Apparatus and methods are provided for analysis of individual particles in a microfluidic device. The methods involve the immobilization of an array of particles in suspension and the application of experimental compounds. Such methods can also include electrophysiology studies including patch clamp recording, electroporation, or both in the same microfluidic device. The apparatus provided includes a microfluidic device coupled to a multi-well structure and an interface for controlling the flow of media within the microchannel device.
US08293518B2

This invention relates to a novel microorganism that efficiently produces a dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho[2,1-b]furan intermediate using sclareol as a substrate. As a result of concentrated studies, a plurality of novel microorganisms having properties of interest that are not classified as conventional microorganisms were isolated and identified. The novel microorganism of the present invention belongs to Ascomycetes and has the ability of producing a dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho[2,1-b]furan intermediate using sclareol as a substrate. Such microorganism of Ascomycetes represents a new finding and it can be effective for producing dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho[2,1-b]furan and an intermediate thereof.
US08293513B2

Novel histone deacetylase inhibitors, including novel fluorescent histone deacetylase inhibitors, are described. Methods for making and using the same, e.g., to treat cancer, are provided.
US08293508B2

The present invention provides means for the production of desired end-products of in vitro and/or in vivo bioconversion of biomass-based feed stock substrates, including but not limited to such materials as starch and cellulose. In particularly preferred embodiments, the methods of the present invention do not require gelatinization and/or liquefaction of the substrate. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides means for the production of ethanol.
US08293503B2

The invention provides vectors and methods for directional cloning.
US08293490B2

A method for high spatial resolution stochastic examination of a biological sample structure labeled with a labeling substance is described. The method comprises providing a biological sample structure; choosing such a labeling substance that has molecules present in a first state and in a second state, and the first and second states differ from one another in at least one photophysical property such that there is sufficient probability that one portion of the molecules of the substance will be in the first state and another portion of the molecules will be in the second state and within which labeling substance a change of the state of the molecules can occur spontaneously between the two states in both directions; and labeling the biological sample structure with the substance.
US08293489B2

Methods and compositions are provided for detection of biological substances in nasal specimen.
US08293484B2

Methods for performing surface-mediated protein delivery into living cells, and fabricating protein-transfected cell cluster arrays are provided. The method comprises providing a protein-containing mixture; depositing said protein-containing mixture onto a surface at defined locations; affixing the protein-containing mixture to the surface as microspots; and plating cells onto the surface in sufficient density and under conditions for the proteins to be delivered into the cells. The protein-containing mixture comprises any suitable amino acid sequence, including peptides, proteins, protein-domains, antibodies, or protein-nucleic acid conjugates, etc., with a carrier reagent. Protein-transfected cell arrays may be used for rapid and direct, screening of protein or enzymatic functions or any given intracellular protein interaction in the natural environment of a living cell, as well as for high-throughput screening of other biological and chemical analytes, which affect the functions of these proteins.
US08293481B2

Materials and methods for using biomarkers to determine prognosis and response to treatment in subjects having chronic vascular dysfunction.
US08293475B2

A biopolymer examining apparatus includes a capsule-forming unit configured to form a capsule by sealing a target biopolymer and a reagent with a capsule film, a transferring unit configured to transfer the capsule, an amplification reaction unit configured to amplify the target biopolymer while having the target biopolymer enclosed in the capsule, and a detecting unit configured to detect the amplified target biopolymer while having the target biopolymer enclosed in the capsule.
US08293469B2

Biomarkers are identified by analyzing gene expression data using support vector machines (SVM), recursive feature elimination (RFE) and/or linear ridge regression classifiers to rank genes according to their ability to separate prostate cancer from normal tissue. Proteins expressed by identified genes are detected in patient samples to screen, predict and monitor prostate cancer.
US08293467B2

Disclosed are compositions for isolating populations of nucleic acids from biological, forensic, and environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. The disclosed compositions safely facilitate rapid sample collection, and provide extended storage and transport of the samples at ambient or elevated temperature without contamination of the sample or degradation of the nucleic acids contained therein. This process particularly facilitates the collection of specimens from remote locations, and under conditions previously considered hostile for preserving the integrity of nucleic acids released from lysed biological samples without the need of refrigeration or freezing prior to molecular analysis.
US08293464B2

The invention relates generally to the field of virology, and relates to the identification and characterization of the targets involved in the evasion strategy of viruses and to the use thereof in methods to identify anti-viral compounds. More in particular to identify compounds which are modulators of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), a target within said entry and immune-evasion strategy. Other aspects of the invention are directed to anti-viral compounds identified using the models and methods of the present invention, as well as to the use thereof in treating viral infections, such as for example caused by the feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), a coronavirus which belongs to an antigenic group which comprises in particular feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), canine coronavirus (CCV), swine transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV), porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) and human coronavirus (HCV), and which induces, in a host-dependent manner, a range of symptoms which range from mild enteritis to the severe debilitating disease, and, in some cases, up to death. In a particular aspect the present invention provides the use of MLCK inhibitors for the treatment of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
US08293461B2

A direct emulsion process for making printed circuits and printed circuit boards which includes coating a non-metallized substrate with a solution which creates a light sensitive surface on the substrate, imaging the coated substrate with a circuit design, developing the imaged substrate, and directly plating the developed image onto the coated substrate. Coating solutions which work particularly well in this process include a ferric oxalate and palladium emulsion or a silver based emulsion.
US08293451B2

A curable liquid formulation containing at least (i) one or more near-infrared absorbing triphenylamine-based dyes, and (ii) one or more casting solvents. The invention is also directed to solid near-infrared absorbing films composed of crosslinked forms of the curable liquid formulation. The invention is also directed to a microelectronic substrate containing a coating of the solid near-infrared absorbing film as well as a method for patterning a photoresist layer coated on a microelectronic substrate in the case where the near-infrared absorbing film is between the microelectronic substrate and a photoresist film.
US08293449B2

There is provided a positive type resist composition comprising (A) a resin component with only units derived from an acrylate ester in the principal chain, for which the solubility in alkali increases under the action of acid, (B) an acid generator component which generates acid on exposure, and (C) an organic solvent component, wherein the resin component (A) is a copolymer comprising (a1) a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester comprising, as an acid dissociable dissolution inhibiting group on a side chain, a polycyclic dissolution inhibiting group which is eliminated more easily than a 2-methyl-2-adamantyl group, (a2) a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester comprising a lactone containing polycyclic group on a side chain, and (a3) a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester comprising a hydroxyl group containing polycyclic group on a side chain; as well as a resist pattern formation method using such a composition.
US08293445B2

An electrostatic image developing carrier includes a ferrite particle that contains magnesium element in an amount of about 3.0 wt % or more and about 10.0 wt % or less and manganese element in an amount of about 0.2 wt % or more and less than about 1.0 wt %; and a resin layer that covers the ferrite particle.
US08293443B2

A toner formulation is disclosed comprising a binder and an IR absorbing black pigment at a concentration of 0.25-2.0% by weight, including one or more infrared transmissive pigments, wherein the infrared transmissive pigments are configured to provide a black color. Such toner formulation may provide a response to a toner patch sensor to indicate a mass per unit area of 0.1-1.5 mg/cm2 or a reflectance relative to a substrate to define a reflectance ratio that varies relative to L* values for the toner over the range L*=0-50 or a bulk reflectivity of greater than 6.0% for a portion of the wavelength range of 850-2000 nanometers.
US08293442B2

Disclosed is a resin particle having a volume average particle diameter of 10 nm to 500 nm, obtained by polymerizing an addition polymerizable monomer containing a silsesquioxane (a) represented by Formula (I) or by copolymerizing the silsesquioxane (a) with an addition polymerizable monomer (b), where R1 to R7 each independently represent a group selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl; any hydrogen in the alkyl group is optionally substituted by fluorine and any —CH2— is optionally substituted by —O—, —CH═CH—, cycloalkylene or cycloalkenylene; any hydrogen in alkylene in the arylalkyl group is optionally substituted by fluorine and any —CH2— is optionally substituted by —O— or —CH═CH—; and A1 represents an addition polymerizable functional group.
US08293441B2

The invention relates to a pigment preparation characterized by a content of a) a dioxazine compound of Formula (I) as the basic pigment; and b) a dioxazine compound of the general Formula (II) as a pigment dispersing agent Q-[Y—X]m (II), wherein Q represents an m-valent group of the basic pigment of Formula (I), Y represents —(CR1R2)x—, in which X is 1 to 6, and R and R2 independently of one another represent hydrogen or C1 to C4 alkyl, X represents an imidazole group which is linked via a carbon atom to the Y bridging element, m has a numerical value between 1 and 4; and c) a resin component from the group of abietic acid, dehydroabietic acid, dihydroabietic acid tetrahydroabietic acid, levopimaric acid, dextropimaric acid, isodextropimaric acid, colophony resin, partially hydrogenated colophony resin, resin soaps of the aforementioned acids, and mixtures thereof.
US08293434B2

The present invention is a photomask 3 for exposing a substrate coated with a positive photosensitive material. At least a first mask pattern group 16 and a second mask pattern group 17 are formed on a transparent substrate at a predetermined arrangement pitch. The first mask pattern group 16 has first light shielding patterns 20 arranged at an interval corresponding to two types of convex pattern forming portions of different heights on the substrate, in which the first light shielding patterns 20 each have a substantially same area as a cross sectional area of a convex pattern. The second mask pattern group 17 has a second light shielding pattern 22 and an opening pattern 23, in which the second light shielding pattern 22 has a predetermined area and corresponds to a higher convex pattern forming portion among the two types of convex pattern forming portions, and the opening pattern corresponds to a lower convex pattern forming portion. This enables top parts of a plurality of types of convex patterns of different heights to be shaped substantially hemispherical.
US08293431B2

A lithographic mask comprises a first layer including grooves, a second layer including regions, sections and a groove-like structure that encloses the sections. The first and second layers are formed so as to reduce electrical potential differences within the second layer. A method of forming a lithographic mask includes forming first and second layers to dispose the second layer over the first layer, patterning the second layer to comprise sections, a region, and a groove-like structure enclosing the sections, and forming grooves in the first layer at portions not covered by the second layer. The first and second layers are formed to reduce potential differences within the second layers during the step of forming the grooves in the first layer.
US08293424B2

The invention relates to a repeating unit for a fuel cell stack comprising a membrane electrode assembly and a flow field designed to supply an active surface of the membrane electrode assembly with gas and comprising at least a gas passage orifice. According to the invention it is contemplated that a gas-tight gas flow barrier is disposed between the active surface and the gas passage orifice so that gas passing through the first gas passage orifice flows around the gas flow barrier, wherein the projection of the gas flow barrier towards the periphery of the active surface is at least half as long as the projection of the gas passage orifice towards the periphery of the active surface.
US08293420B2

The pressure-adjusting valve provided in the cathode outlet of a fuel cell stack constituting a fuel cell system has a function of adjusting the oxidizing gas pressure in the fuel cell stack according to the adjustment of the valve opening degree. When the exhaust pipe is flooded with water, the pressure inside the exhaust pipe varies from the atmospheric pressure and the opening degree of the pressure-adjusting valve changes. The flooding estimation signal output processing unit of the control unit outputs a flooding estimation signal indicating that the exhaust pipe is flooded when an opening degree difference that is a difference between the opening degree of the pressure-adjusting valve and a preset opening degree corresponding to the operation directed pressure is equal to or greater than a preset threshold opening degree difference. The processing of inhibiting the flowing is performed based on this signal.
US08293412B2

A fuel cell system includes a solid oxide reversible fuel cell (SORFC) stack that is adapted to generate an exhaust stream containing hydrogen and water vapor from an outlet of the SORFC stack when the SORFC stack is operated in an electrolysis mode, a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) hydrogen pump that is adapted to separate at least a portion of the hydrogen contained in the exhaust stream, a first conduit that is adapted to provide the exhaust stream from the outlet of the SORFC stack into an inlet of the PEM hydrogen pump, and a second conduit that is adapted to provide at least a portion of remaining exhaust stream from an outlet of the PEM hydrogen pump into an inlet of the SORFC stack.
US08293411B2

To provide a technique for simply and easily producing a high-purity difluorophosphate and provide a production process of an electrolytic solution using the obtained difluorophosphate, an electrolytic solution and a secondary battery.A process for producing a difluorophosphate, comprising the following step (1) or (2): (1) reacting (A) at least one member selected from the group consisting of oxoacids, oxoacid anhydrides and oxyhalides of phosphorus with (B) a hexafluorophosphate in the presence of hydrogen fluoride, or (2) reacting at least one halide selected from the group consisting of alkali metal halides, alkaline earth metal halides, aluminum halides and onium halides with difluorophosphoric acid in the presence of a hexafluorophosphate. Also, a nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing the obtained difluorophosphate, and a nonaqueous electrolytic secondary battery containing the nonaqueous electrolytic solution.
US08293409B2

The method for making an active material according to the invention comprises a step of contacting an aqueous solution containing a metal-fluoro complex with a carbon material. The active material comprises a carbon material and a metal oxide particle group supported directly on the surface of the carbon material.
US08293408B2

A non-aqueous electrolyte battery including: a positive electrode; a negative electrode including, as an active material, a titanium-containing oxide having a crystal structure belonging to the P4332 space group, which titanium-containing oxide can be carried on one or both surfaces of a current collector; and a non-aqueous electrolyte.
US08293403B2

The field of the present invention relates to the field of batteries and of polymer electrolytes for batteries and more particularly to the field of lithium batteries.The invention relates to a composition which can be polymerized and/or crosslinked by polyaddition for a battery electrolyte comprising: a) at least one polyorganosiloxane (POS) (A) exhibiting, per molecule, at least two C2-C6 alkenyl groups bonded to silicon and at least one group directly bonded to a silicon atom comprising a polyoxyalkylene (Poa) ether functional group; b) at least one polyorganosiloxane (POS) (B) exhibiting, per molecule, at least two hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon; c) a catalytically effective amount of at least one hydrosilylation catalyst (C); and a) at least one electrolyte salt (D).
US08293397B2

A battery assembly includes single-battery cells, and thermally-conductive members. The thermally-conductive members are formed of a soft material as a plated configuration. The soft material exhibits thermal conductivity and electric insulatability. The single-battery cells, and the thermally-conductive members are adhered to each other, and are disposed one after another alternately in a row, thereby interposing the thermally-conducive members between the single-cell batteries. The thermally-conductive members include a radiation surface respectively from which heat that the single-battery cells produce radiates. The single-battery cells are cooled indirectly by cooling the radiation surfaces of the thermally-conductive members.
US08293394B2

A battery cover latching mechanism is provided. The battery cover latching mechanism includes a body member, a battery cover, and a button mounted on the body member. The body member defines a battery receiving space and includes a latching block. The battery cover is placed on the body member to cover the battery receiving space, the battery cover includes a clamp. The button resists the clamp and slides between a first position and a second position. When the button is at a first position, the clamp is released from the latching block. When the button slides from the first position to the second position, the button resists the clamp to move towards the latching block and then latch with the latching block.
US08293391B2

A battery (100) includes a flat wound electrode body (10) that is obtained by winding a first electrode sheet (20) and a second electrode sheet (30) in a flat shape via separator sheets (40a, 40b). The first electrode sheet (20) is disposed in the flat wound electrode body (10) so as to be wound on the outer peripheral side with respect to the second electrode sheet (30). The first electrode sheet (20) is wound so as to enfold a winding end portion (38) of the second electrode sheet (30). A winding end portion (28) of the first electrode sheet (20) is disposed so as to pass either of the straight portions (12a, 12b) or rounded portions (14a, 14b) where the winding end portion (38) of the second electrode sheet (30) is disposed and reach the next straight portion (12a, 12b) or pass through the next straight portion.
US08293388B2

A thermal energy battery for cooling temperature sensitive components comprises a composite of a sorbent with ammonia, water, alcohol, amine or a fluorocarbon refrigerant absorbed thereon and incorporated on a substrate material. The composite is encased in a containment material configured to rupture or otherwise release refrigerant desorbed by the sorbent composition when internal battery pressure reaches a threshold ΔP from the outside pressure, and thermal conduction means in thermal contact with the thermal energy battery and one or more temperature sensitive components for directing thermal energy therebetween to heat the composite and cool the temperature sensitive components.
US08293386B2

A monolayer or multilayer nitridic or carbonitridic hard material coating contains Al and Ti and at least one of the layers comprises the composition (AlxTiyRuzMev) (NaC1-a), with 0.45≦x≦0.75, 0.20≦y≦0.55, 0.001≦z≦0.10. 0≦v≦0.20, 0.8≦a≦1.1. Me is selected from the group of elements including Si, B, W, Mo, Cr, Ta, Nb, V, Hf, Zr. The Ru-containing hard material coating has a decreasing hardness shifted towards the higher temperature range and therefore an improved wear resistance.
US08293383B2

There is provided a benzo[a]fluoranthene compound represented by the formula (I): wherein: at least one R11 to R22 represents Rm represented by the formula (i): Rm=—Ar1—X1  (i) wherein: Ar1 represents any one of the following groups (i-a) to (i-c): (i-a) a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group, (i-b) a substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic heterocyclic group, and (i-c) a composite substituent formed of two substituents selected from substituents corresponding to the groups (i-a) and (i-b); and X1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 2 or more carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl group; and R11 to R22 none of which is represented by Rm each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or the like, and R11 to R22 none of which is represented by Rm may be identical to or different from each other.
US08293379B2

The quenchable steel sheet has an alloy composition including carbon (C) in an amount of 0.15˜0.30 wt %, silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.05˜0.5 wt %, manganese (Mn) in an amount of 1.0˜2.0 wt %, boron (B) in an amount of 0.0005˜0.0040 wt %, sulfur (S) in an amount of 0.003 wt % or less, phosphorus (P) in an amount of 0.012 wt % or less, one or more selected from among calcium (Ca) in an amount of 0.0010˜0.0040 wt % and copper (Cu) in an amount of 0.05˜1.0 wt %, two or more selected from among cobalt (Co), zirconium (Zr) and antimony (Sb), and iron (Fe). Alloy elements are controlled to increasing hot ductility and enabling pressing at 600˜900° C. so that a tensile strength of 1400 MPa or more and an elongation of 8% or more are obtained after pressing.
US08293374B2

A test solution agent, a test system and a method for evaluating the compatibility of biologically active substances with N-vinylpyrdolidone are disclosed.
US08293371B2

A polyimide resin composed of a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1): or composed of the repeating unit represented by the formula (1) and at least one repeating unit represented by the following formula (2): wherein X is the same as defined in the specification, exhibits a good thermoplastic property, a high solubility in solvents and a good heat resistance as well as a low water absorption and an excellent adhesion property. The polyimide resin is useful as the material for the adhesive layer of a metal-clad laminate which is composed of an insulating substrate, a metal layer and an adhesive layer disposed between the insulating substrate and the metal layer.
US08293359B2

A multi-layer CVD coating has at least one coating layer made of a metallic hard material layer X having a thickness of 10 to 90 nm, and at least one additional coating layer made of a metallic hard material layer Y doped with boron, having a boron content of 0.005 to 5 At. % and a thickness of 10 to 90 nm. At least one coating layer X adjoins a coating layer Y. The novel coatings exhibit significantly improved wear resistance.
US08293356B2

A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structure 12 includes a plurality of layers (e.g., 16, 18, 20) of ceramic fibers. The CMC structure 12 further includes a plurality of spaced apart objects 22 on at least some of the plurality of layers along a thickness of the composite structure. The inclusion of the objects introduces an out-of-plane fiber displacement arranged to increase an interlaminar shear strength of the structure.
US08293344B2

Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to articles including anticondensation coatings that are exposed to an external environment, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the anticondensation coatings may be survivable in an outside environment. The coatings also may have a sufficiently low sheet resistance and hemispherical emissivity such that the glass surface is more likely to retain heat from the interior area, thereby reducing (and sometimes completely eliminating) the presence condensation thereon. The articles of certain example embodiments may be, for example, skylights, vehicle windows or windshields, IG units, VIG units, refrigerator/freezer doors, and/or the like.
US08293343B2

An inkjet recording medium having a substrate and, on or above the substrate, an ink-receiving layer is disclosed. The ink-receiving layer contains at least one type of inorganic fine particles, at least one water-soluble resin, and at least one ethylene oxide adduct of an acetylene glycol compound having an HLB value of 6 or less.
US08293342B2

The decorative figurine is formed from at least two golf balls and at least one golf tee. A blind bore is formed in a first golf ball, and a diametrically extending countersunk bore is formed through a second golf ball. A golf tee is then inserted into the golf balls with the shaft extending through the countersunk bore and into the blind bore, the head of the tee being seated in the countersunk portion of the throughbore. Adhesive secures the tee in the bores, forming the body of the figurine. The body is preferably mounted on a base, and the body is decorated with any desired ornamentation and/or props.
US08293333B2

A filter for removing contaminants from air. The filter includes (a) a substrate that does not have any volatile ammonia on the surface thereof; (b) copper that has been impregnated onto the substrate; and (c) molybdenum and/or tungsten that has been impregnated onto the substrate. The filter can be made using an aqueous solution(s) that contains one or more of a first copper salt and a second salt that include a polynuclear anion that contains molybdenum, tungsten, or both. Because the metals can be impregnated onto the substrate surface without using an ammonium-based solution, the need to manage ammonia off-gassing is avoided. Further, no volatile ammonia would be present on the resulting substrate surface.
US08293330B2

While one side of a lens L is held by a suction-holding member 17 and the suction-holding member 17 is moved by the moving mechanism, a coating process, a drying process, and a curing process are sequentially performed in respective receptacles disposed independently of each other. A suction force applied to the lens L by the suction-holding member 17 is controlled by a control section 22 in accordance with each of the receptacles in which the suction-holding member 17 is positioned.
US08293329B2

An organic vapor jet printing system includes a pump for increasing the pressure of an organic flux.
US08293319B2

By irradiating a first substrate which is an evaporation donor substrate including a function layer in which films having different refractive indexes (high-refractive index films and low refractive index films) are stacked with first light (wavelength=λ1), a material layer over the first substrate is patterned, and by irradiating the first substrate with second light (wavelength=λ2) which is different from λ1, the material layer which is patterned is evaporated onto a second substrate which is a deposition target substrate.
US08293315B2

Disclosed is a process for the preparation of active substance concentrates, which is distinguished in that an active-substance-containing starting material, (i) (a) is either brought into contact with a PIT emulsion and the mixtures are heated to a temperature above the phase inversion temperature of the PIT emulsion, where they are held for a sufficient period of time, or (b) is brought into contact with an aqueous mixture of lipids and emulsifiers, which mixture is suitable for the formation of PIT emulsions, and the mixture is heated with strong shearing to a temperature above the phase inversion temperature with in-situ formation of a PIT emulsion, where the mixture is held for a sufficient period of time, (ii) the mixtures are cooled and filtered and, if appropriate, (iii) subjected to ultrafiltration and/or (iv) a further solvent extraction.
US08293309B2

A frozen aerated confection is provided, the confection comprising at least 0.2 wt % free β-casein, wherein the free β-casein constitutes more than 45% of the total β-casein present in the frozen confection; and containing a population of gas bubbles, wherein at least 65% of the gas bubbles have a diameter of less than 20 μm. A process for producing such a frozen aerated confection is also provided.
US08293308B2

A method for producing wafers by extrusion comprising the steps of a. Preparing an ingredient mix b. Feeding the mix in an extruder and cooking the mix c. Extruding the cooked mix such that an extruded and expanded non-planar structure is formed d. Unfolding the structure to give a large extruded sheet e. Subjecting the extruded sheet to stretching/pulling f. Adjusting the sheet in order to obtain a desired thickness g. Drying the sheet h. Separating the sheet into wafers of desired dimensions The invention also relates to the wafers thus produced and to a wafer production line.
US08293306B2

Highly purified Stevioside and Rebaudioside A were prepared from sweet glycoside extracts obtained from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves. The resulting sweeteners are suitable as non-calorie, non-cariogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, and milk products.
US08293303B2

Highly purified Stevioside and Rebaudioside A were prepared from sweet glycoside extracts obtained from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves. The resulting sweeteners are suitable as non-calorie, non-cariogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, and milk products.
US08293297B2

The present invention provides a process for producing a colored structured protein product with protein fibers that are substantially aligned and the resultant product. Specifically, the plant protein is combined with a colorant and extruded, forming a colored structured protein product with protein fibers that are substantially aligned and the resultant product.
US08293296B2

By the method of producing popcorn confectionery a first sugar/glucose substance is produced. This substance is boiled at 170 -2100C for approx. 3-10 hours until the substance is dark brown/black and viscous, whereafter it is cooled down. Hereafter a second sugar/glucose substance is produced, which is boiled at 100-1300C for approx. 1-10 hours. The first substance and the second substance are mixed at a weight ratio of 1:2-1:6, whereafter the resulting mixture is boiled and popcorn is added. This mixture can be formed in formed pieces in a machine 1 including a cylindrical, horizontal buffer tank 3, which is surrounded by a chamber 11 filled with oil, and a cylindrical, horizontal main tank 2 surrounded by a chamber 23 filled with oil.
US08293294B2

The invention relates to the field of cosmetics, especially relating to products for controlling skin aging. The invention especially relates to a cosmetic composition including an aqueous fruit extract of Chrysophyllum cainito.
US08293291B2

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles by administering oral and/or topical compositions comprising therapeutically-effective amounts of extracts of one or more relaxing herbal agents (“RHAs”) alone or in combination with one or more extracts of an edible solanaceous glycoalkaloid-containing plant (“ESGP”) or an edible glycoalkaloid-containing fungus (“EGF”) selected from plant species in the genus Solanum and mushrooms. RHAs are selected from the group consisting of extracts of Q. amara, E. angustifolia, P. oleracea, M. dubia, P. orientalis and A. muscaria and plant species from the genus Valeriana, Passiflora, Verbascum, Scutellaria, Cypripedium, Magnolia, Atriplex and Symphytum. Additionally, the methods of the present invention may comprise exfoliating the skin, preferably with at least one acid protease enzyme.
US08293279B2

The present invention relates to polyamide powders suitable for cosmetic applications are described which have a pH of 4.0 to 7.0, cosmetic compositions containing the polyamide powders and processes of making the same.
US08293257B2

An oily dispersion of an inorganic microparticle oxide powder that exhibits excellent texture has superior compatibility with other cosmetic material components. The oily dispersion contains only two components of a dispersion medium and a surface-treated inorganic microparticle oxide powder, wherein the dispersion medium is an oil, the surface-treated inorganic microparticle oxide powder is a powder surface-treated with branched fatty acid containing isostearic acid as a primary constituent component or a metal salt containing isostearic acid as a primary constituent component at an amount of 1 to 30% by weight with respect to the powder as a base material, and the surface-treated inorganic microparticle oxide powder has a solid concentration of 25% by weight or more and a viscosity of 2,000 mPa·s or less at 25° C. in the preparation of the oily dispersion.
US08293256B2

The present invention relates to the cosmetic use of a compound of formula (I) and also the cosmetically acceptable salts thereof, solvates thereof and isomers thereof, for non-therapeutic skincare. The invention also relates to compounds of general formula (II)
US08293251B2

The invention provides proteins from Neisseria meningitidis (strains A & B) and from Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including amino acid sequences, the corresponding nucleotide sequences, expression data, and serological data. The proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics.
US08293249B2

The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.
US08293239B2

The invention relates to an anti-CGRP antibody for use in the prevention and/or treatment of chronic pain and/or symptoms of chronic pain, and to a method of treating and/or preventing chronic pain and/or symptoms of chronic pain using an anti-CGRP antibody.
US08293237B2

This invention provides binding proteins, including antibodies, antibody derivatives and antibody fragments, that specifically bind a CD154 (CD40L) protein. This invention also provides a chimeric, humanized or fully human antibody, antibody derivative or antibody fragment that specifically binds to an epitope to which a humanized Fab fragment comprising a variable heavy chain sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 and comprising a variable light chain sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 specifically binds. CD154 binding proteins of this invention may elicit reduced effector function relative to a second anti-CD154 antibody. CD154 binding proteins of this invention are useful in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, such as in the treatment and prevention of diseases including those that involve undesirable immune responses that are mediated by CD154-CD40 interactions.
US08293219B2

Use of long carbon chain quaternary ammonium salt phosphoric acid ester of formula (I) as conditioner for hair.
US08293217B2

A process for the hydrogenation of a mixture of caryophyllenes by contact with hydrogen in the presence of a supported catalyst. The resulting products are useful for the application to skin.
US08293216B2

An oral care composition comprising a fused silica abrasive that offers improved cleaning.
US08293211B2

Neutral antagonists of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, means for identifying neutral antagonists of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, and uses thereof. Antagonists of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor can be used to prevent, treat or reduce the severity of various medical conditions and symptoms, including, but not limited to obesity, appetite disorder, another metabolic disorder, drug addiction and/or mental illness. Administering neutral CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonists in place of or in combination with known CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonists or inverse CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists in an individual or animal to treat a medical condition with a reduction of unwanted side effects. A method of detecting a neutral CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, including identifying a candidate compound; subjecting the candidate compound to one or more of a cAMP assay, CB1 competitive binding assay, food intake assay, thermoregulation assay, or emesis assay; and selecting the compound if it exhibits neutral antagonist activity.
US08293209B2

The present invention relates to a novel delivery system for delivering therapeutic agents into living cells, and more particularly, to novel chemical moieties that are designed capable of targeting and/or penetrating cells or other targets of interest and further capable of binding therapeutic agents to be delivered to these cells, and to delivery systems containing same.
US08293207B2

An amino acid analog is provided, in syn-stereoisomeric form, anti-stereoisomeric form, or a combination thereof. The amino acid analog includes a cyclobutane ring with at least one of an amine group and a carboxyl group attached to one carbon node of the cyclobutane ring. A chain of moieties X, Y, and Z attached to one of remaining three carbon nodes of the cyclobutane ring. X is a chelating agent selected from a group comprising DCTA, DOTA, DTPA, EDTA, NOTA, PCTA, and TETA. Y is a linking moiety selected from a group comprising —NH—CO— and —NH-p-CHSN-Bn- where the linking moiety facilitates incorporation of the chelating agent into the amino acid analog. Z is a metal radioisotope selected from a group comprising Cu-60, Cu-61, Cu-62, Cu-64, Cu-67, Ga-67, Ga-68, Y-86, Y-88, Y-90, Sr-85, Sr-89, Gd-153, Gd-157, Sm-153, Lu-177, W-185, Re-186, Re-188, and Ir-192.
US08293203B2

A method of making nanosized copper (I) compounds, in particular, copper (I) halides, pseudohalides, and cyanocuprate complexes, in reverse micelles or microemulsions is disclosed herein. The method of the invention comprises (a) dissolving a copper (II) compound in the polar phase of a first reverse micelle or microemulsion, (b) dissolving a copper (II) to copper (I) reducing agent or a pseudohalide salt in the polar phase of a second sample of the same reverse micelle or microemulsion, (c) mixing the two reverse micelle/microemulsions samples to form nanometer sized copper (I) compounds and (d) recovering said nanometer sized copper (I) compounds. The present invention is also directed to the resultant nanosized copper (I) compounds, such as copper (I) chloride, copper (I) cyanide, and potassium cyanocuprate complexes having an average particle size of about 0.1 to 600 nanometers.
US08293200B2

A method of heating a used absorption liquid resulting from a carbon dioxide absorption stage in which a CO2 comprising gas stream is contacted with an absorption liquid comprising ammonia, wherein the used absorption liquid is subjected to heat exchange, in a heat exchanger, with a fluid of a desulfurization stage in which a SO2 comprising flue gas is contacted with a reagent composition comprising an alkaline compound.
US08293190B2

A biochip substrate capable of realizing the high detection accuracy by restricting a nonspecific adsorption or bonding of a substance to be detected, when used for a detection or analysis of protein, nucleic acids and the like. The biochip substrate is for fixing a biologically active substance on a surface of a solid substrate, and characterized in that it has a layer comprising a polymer compound obtained by copolymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomer having an alkylene glycol residue, an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomer having a functional group for fixing a biologically active substance and an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomer having a cross-linkable functional group, on the surface of the substrate.
US08293187B2

The invention provides a device including a chamber wherein the chamber including a rigid enclosure; a rigid lid for the enclosure; a gasket between the lid and the enclosure to allow for an airtight seal between the enclosure and the gasket upon closure of a latch connecting the enclosure and the lid; a port for airtight attachment of a syringe, and a port for airtight insertion of a gas sensor. The device can further include a gas sensor and one or more syringes for attachment to the device by a three-way stopcocks. The device is appropriately sized for use with the subject of interest. The invention also provides methods for use of the device.
US08293182B2

Catalysts and catalytic articles for treating exhaust gas streams are described. In one or more embodiments, a catalyst system includes a first zone to abate nitrogen oxides by selective catalytic reduction, a second zone to oxidize ammonia and a third zone to oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Methods for treating the exhaust gas stream are also provided. Methods of making and using such catalysts and catalytic articles are also described.
US08293181B2

Provided is a tubular flow reactor containing: a cylindrical channel; a mixing shaft which is concentric with the cylindrical channel; and a mixing blade attached to the mixing shaft, wherein the tubular flow reactor satisfy the following requirements: t<2C and t/2C
US08293178B2

A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and formed into a rigid or pliable material. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector includes aerogel material. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below −196° C.
US08293167B2

A system for treating metallic articles in an atmospheric furnace while injecting at least one fluid material within the furnace and/or in a catalyst bed connected to the furnace.
US08293162B2

A method for producing a molded product consisting of a resin polymerized by a melt polycondensation reaction, comprising continuous feeding of a prepolymer in molten state from a prepolymer feeding port to a polymerization reactor, discharging from holes of a porous plate, followed by polymerization while dropping along a supporting substrate under reduced pressure, and molding by transferring to at least one molding machine in molten state without solidification, wherein transfer pressure to said molding machine is controlled so as to maintain at an arbitrary pressure from 0.1 to 100 MPa (absolute pressure).
US08293155B2

Apparatus for stamping and cutting a plastic part includes a housing for accommodating a stamping press. The stamping press has a lower tool part, an upper tool part, and a drive for moving the lower and upper tool parts in relation to one another. A robot having a robot arm is constructed to move into a work zone of the stamping press, when the stamping press is open and thereby enable a laser device disposed on the robot arm to perform suitable cutting operations of the plastic part.
US08293152B2

Proposed is a method for manufacturing a package out of foil, with a heating process for heating a foil section, as well as a packaging machine (1) for manufacturing a package out of foil, with a heating device (14) for heating a foil section (3′) and with a device (17) for generating negative pressures on each of the two sides of the foil section. In order to allow improved coordination of individual manufacturing steps, it is proposed that in a same time interval during the heating process, a negative pressure relative to the ambient pressure is generated on both sides of the foil section (3′) during the heating process.
US08293151B2

The present invention relates to nuclear fuel compositions including triuranium disilicide. The triuranium disilicide includes a uranium component which includes uranium-235. The uranium-235 is present in an amount such that it constitutes from about 0.7% to about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the uranium component of the triuranium disilicide. The nuclear fuel compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in light water reactors.
US08293150B2

The invention provides a near-infrared absorbing material, including: at least one of at least one singlet oxygen scavengers, at least one radical scavenger, and at least one antioxidant; and at least one near-infrared absorbing compound obtained by oxidation of a compound represented by the following Formula (II). In the formula, R211, R212, R221, R222, R231, R232, R241 and R242 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic or aromatic group; R203, R213, R223, R233 and R243 independently represent a substituent; and n203, n213, n223, n233 and n243 independently represent an integer of 0 to 4.
US08293142B2

A composition containing fine silver particles which have a uniform particle size, can form a fine drawing pattern, and have a small environmental impact, a method for producing that composition, a method for producing fine silver particles, and a paste having fine silver particles are provided. The fine silver particles are produced by carrying out a fluid preparation step of preparing a reduction fluid, a silver reaction step, and a filtration/washing step. The reaction step is carried out by adding an aqueous silver nitrate fluid to a reduction fluid whose temperature has been increased to a range between 40 and 80° C. The aqueous silver nitrate fluid is added at a stretch. The composition containing fine silver particles is produced by dispersing the composition containing the fine silver particles in a polar fluid.
US08293138B2

A partially sulfonated polybenzimidazole based polymer for fuel cell membrane is prepared by copolymerizing monomers of 3,3′-diaminobenzidine, isophthalic acid and 5-sulfoisophthalic acid to obtain a partially sulfonated polybenzimidazole, and doping the partially sulfonated polybenzimidazole with inorganic acid.
US08293131B2

The present invention relates to compositions comprising flammable refrigerant, fire hazard-reducing agent, and optionally a lubricant suitable for use in a refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus. Further, the present invention relates to compositions comprising lubricant and fire hazard-reducing agent and methods for reducing flammability of flammable refrigerant, for delivering a fire hazard-reducing agent to a refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus, and for replacing a non-flammable refrigerant with a flammable refrigerant.
US08293129B2

A manufacturing method of the present invention comprises the step of epitaxially growing a PZT layer on a first electrode layer, and the step of processing the PZT layer to a desired shape using an etching solution after the growing step. The etching solution contains at least one acid from among hydrochloric acid and nitric acid in a concentration CHCl+3.3CHNO3 ranging from 1 wt % to 10 wt %, CHCl and CHNO3 denoting, respectively, a weight concentration of the hydrochloric acid and nitric acid relative to a weight of the etching solution; and at least one fluorine compound from among ammonium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride, such that a weight concentration of fluorine derived from ammonium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride ranges from 0.1 wt % to 1 wt % relative to the weight of the etching solution.
US08293118B2

A method of treating an agricultural-water canal to decompose organic debris in the agricultural-water canal is disclosed. The method provides a controlled delivery of biocide particles to the surface of water by entraining biocide particles in a gaseous stream and then scattering the biocide particles across the surface of the water by propelling the biocide-laden gaseous stream to the surface of the water, whereat the biocide particles are released from the gaseous stream. A device for implementing the method is also disclosed. The device includes a gas blower, a feed hopper and a port which is adapted to direct and propel the biocide-laden gaseous stream to the surface of water in the agricultural-water canal.
US08293117B2

A system for controlling water quality of a reservoir including one or more covers that at least partially cover a reservoir, one or more water quality sensors that sense physical, chemical, and biological water quality characteristics of water in the reservoir, a mixer for circulating/mixing water layers of the reservoir, and a controller in communication with the water quality sensors that processes input from the sensors to circulate/mix water layers of the reservoir that are exposed to an uncovered surface of the reservoir so as to control water quality characteristics of water in the reservoir.
US08293115B2

The invention covers the combination of utilizing the selectivity of an adsorbent to remove species from a liquid containing mixtures of ions and then subjecting the loaded resin to a chromatographic displacement utilizing the most selectively adsorbed species to displace the undesired co-adsorbing impurities. The technique can be used even when the most selectively adsorbed species is present as a minor constituent in the feed solution.
US08293112B2

A method of removing water and/or methanol from fluid mixtures of the water or methanol with other compounds uses vapor permeation or pervaporation of the water or methanol, as the case may be, from the mixture through a membrane having an amorphous perfluoropolymer selectively permeable layer. The novel process can be applied in such exemplary embodiments as (a) removing water or methanol from mixtures of compounds that have relative volatility of about 1-1.1 or that form azeotropic mixtures with water or methanol, (b) the dehydration of hydrocarbon oil such as hydraulic fluid to concentrations of water less than about 50 ppm, (c) removing water and methanol byproducts of reversible chemical reactions thereby shifting equilibrium to favor high conversion of reactants to desirable products, (d) drying ethanol to less than 0.5 wt. % water as can be used in fuel for internal combustion engines, and (e) controlling the water content to optimum concentration in enzyme-catalyzed chemical reactions carried out in organic media.
US08293105B2

A contaminant adsorption is provided that includes a self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMS) on a lattice support structure such as sintered metal wire mesh. Individual wire fibers of the sintered wire mesh may have a film coating of mesoporous material that is functionalized for a target metal. The mesh material is formed into filtration elements with or without particulate filtration media. Systems employing such filtration elements in one or multiple stages are also disclosed with an optional acid was stripping system for regenerating SAMMS and to facilitate reclamation of contaminants that can be refined into usable commercial materials.
US08293094B2

A method for monitoring a select analyte in a sample in an electrochemical system. The method includes applying to the electrochemical system a time-varying potential superimposed on a DC potential to generate a signal; and discerning from the signal a contribution from the select analyte by resolving an estimation equation based on a Faradaic signal component and a nonfaradaic signal component.
US08293090B2

The present invention relates to an electroosmotic dehydrator, and more specifically to an electroosmotic dehydrator having a structure of improving durability and electrical conductivity of a drum that is a core part of the electroosmotic dehydrator, making it possible to secure stable dehydrating work, extend use lifetime, and reduce power consumption. According to the present invention, An electroosmotic dehydrator comprising: a drum applied with + or −; a caterpillar or an electrode plate applied with + or − by being mounted to be spaced by a constant space portion from the drum; and a filter cloth belt wound for transfer and dehydration of sludge between the drum and the caterpillar or the electrode plate, characterized in that a copper plate is mounted to an outer side surface of the drum and a titanium plate is coated with a coating agent of platinum-based metal to an outer side surface of the copper plate.
US08293087B2

The present invention is directed to the use of dielectrophoretic forces for the arbitrary manipulation of micrometer- and nanometer-sized particles and to devices capable of arbitrarily manipulating micrometer- and nanometer-sized particles by means of dielectrophoretic forces within a two- or three-dimensional region. The devices and methods of the invention are capable of arbitrarily controlling the velocities, locations, and forces applied to a particle, arbitrarily specifying a force or set of forces at a location in space, and determining friction and/or drag coefficients of a particle, and are thus well-suited for a range of applications including cell sorting, drug delivery, as a diagnostic tool for determining membrane stiffness, and in the heterogeneous integration of micro- and nano-components through directed assembly.
US08293081B2

A physical vapor deposition device includes a chamber; a cathode and an opposite anode, a target material, and supporting device arranged in the chamber. The target material and the supporting device are positioned between the cathode and the anode. The supporting device includes a rotatable device and a hollow supporting plate. The hollow supporting plate is configured for securing the workpiece and exposing part of the workpiece where is needed to be coated. The hollow supporting plate is movably fastened to the rotatable device. A distance from the hollow supporting plate to the rotatable device can be adjusted when the hollow supporting plate is rotated together with the rotatable device in order to align workpiece with the target material.
US08293075B2

Processes for the continuous fractional distillation of a mixture containing morpholine (MO), monoaminodiglycol (ADG), ammonia and water from a reaction of diethylene glycol (DEG) with ammonia, the process including: (i) separating off ammonia from the mixture at a top of a first distillation column K10; (ii) feeding a bottom fraction from K10 to a second distillation column K20, in which water and an organic product are separated off at the top at a temperature at the top in the range from 45 to 198° C. and a pressure in the range from 0.1 to 15 bar; (iii) feeding a bottom fraction from K20 to a third distillation column K30, wherein the column K30 is a dividing wall column (DWC)which preferably has a dividing wall (DW) in the longitudinal direction of the column to form an upper combined column region (1), a lower combined column region (6), an inflow part (2,4) having an enrichment section (2) and a stripping section (4), and also an offtake part (3,5) having an enrichment section (3) and a stripping section (5), with the bottoms from K20 being fed in in the upper or middle third of the inflow part (2,4), based on the number of theoretical plates of the inflow part, ADG and organic products having a boiling point of >190° C. (1.013 bar) being discharge at the bottom, organic products having a boiling point of ≦128° C. (1.013 bar) being discharge at a top and MO being discharge from the middle or lower third of the offtake part (3,5) (side offtake), based on the number of theoretical plates of the offtake part.
US08293073B2

This invention is method of creping a paper web comprising a) applying to a rotating creping cylinder an adhesive composition having a pH of about 6.5 to about 8 and comprising one or more vinylamine/N-vinyl formamide polymers composed of about 10 to about 99 mole percent vinylamine monomer and about 90 to about 1 mole percent N-vinylformamide monomer; b) pressing the paper web against the creping cylinder to effect adhesion of the paper web to the creping cylinder; and c) dislodging the paper web from the creping cylinder with a doctor blade.
US08293056B2

A system for removing chips from a web is disclosed, the system having a rotationally variable speed shoe for receiving a chip, a rotationally constant speed transfer roll for receiving a portion of a web from a die and anvil system, with the shoe initially rotating at a constant speed, slowing to allow a portion of the web to rip away from the chip at a leading rotational edge of the chip, next increasing in rotational speed to allow the chip to rip away from the web at a trailing rotational edge of the chip.
US08293053B2

Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.
US08293037B2

A method for producing a duplex stainless steel pipe having a minimum yield strength of 758.3 to 965.2 MPa, comprises first hot working and optionally solution heat treating a duplex stainless steel material pipe having a chemical composition consisting, by mass %, of C: 0.03% or less, Si: 1% or less, Mn: 0.1 to 4%, Cr: 20 to 35%, Ni: 3 to 10%, Mo: 0 to 6%, W: 0 to 6%, Cu: 0 to 3% and N: 0.15 to 0.60%, the balance being Fe and impurities. The pipe is then cold rolled under conditions that the working ratio Rd, in terms of the reduction of area, in the final cold rolling step falls within a range from 10 to 80%, and formula (1) is satisfied: Rd=exp[{In(MYS)−In(14.5×Cr+48.3×Mo+20.7×W+6.9×N)}/0.195]  (1) wherein Rd is a reduction in area %, MYS is the targeted yield strength (MPa), and Cr, Mo, W and N are in mass %.
US08293030B2

The present invention relates to new intermetallic compounds having a crystalline structure of Ni3Sn2 type for the magnetic refrigeration, their use and a process for preparing the same. The present invention further relates to new magnetocaloric compositions for the magnetic refrigeration and their use.
US08293022B2

A dishwasher and a method for detecting the quantity of dishes in the washing container of the dishwasher are provided. The method includes detecting data relating to the motor operation of a circulating pump and detecting data relating to the heat increase in the dishwasher during a pre-washing phase and a heating phase and comparing the detected data with stored target values. A quantity value for the quantity of dishes in the washing container is set based upon a comparison of the detected data with stored target values. The method also includes adapting the washing program according to the set dishes quantity value.
US08293021B2

A method of conditioning the surface of a work piece, in particular of a litho-strip or litho-sheet, consisting of an aluminum alloy enables an increase in manufacturing speed in surface roughening while maintaining a high quality of the electro-chemical grained surface of the work piece with relative low effort related to facility equipment. The method of conditioning comprises at least the step of degreasing the surface of the work piece with a degreasing medium, wherein the degreasing medium contains at least 1.5 to 3% by weight of a composite of 5-40% sodium tripolyphosphate, 3-10% sodium gluconate, 3-8% of a composite of non-ionic and anionic surfactants and optionally 0.5 to 70% soda, wherein sodium hydroxide is added to the degreasing medium such that the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the aqueous degreasing medium is 0.01 to 5% by weight.
US08293019B2

Methods for cleaning a surface of a substrate and for increasing the useable lifetime of a photomask substrate are provided. In one method, a substrate has at least one radiation-produced particle disposed thereon, and a laser that has a wavelength that substantially coincides with a high absorption coefficient of the substrate is directed towards the substrate. A thermal increase is generated in the substrate, and the radiation-produced particle is removed from the substrate by transferring thermal energy from the substrate to the radiation-produced particle until the radiation-produced particle decomposes.
US08293010B2

A method of forming a templated casting involves incorporating a liquid feedstock into the channels of a honeycomb substrate to form a feedstock-laden substrate, and directionally solidifying the liquid feedstock within the channels.
US08293006B2

A concrete product is produced by providing red dune sand having a particle size of 45 microns or less and mixing the red dune sand with hydraulic cement in a ratio of about 30% of the cement being replaced by the red dune sand. The cement and red dune sand are then mixed with fine and course aggregate, water and a superplasticizer and cast after pouring into a mold cavity. Then within 24 hours of casting, the cast article is steam cured for 12 hours under atmospheric pressure, demolded and placed in an auto clave at 100% humidity. The temperature in the auto clave is raised to 180° C. within one to two hours and maintained at that temperature for 4 to 5 hours. The temperature also increases the pressure to about 10 bars. The pressure is released to reach atmospheric pressure within 20-30 minutes and the temperature reduced gradually, so that the article can be removed.
US08293005B2

The present invention relates to the field of settable compositions for general purpose concrete mixes, and more particularly to settable compositions containing pulverized fly ash and/or bottom ash for improved final and early strength. The fly ash and/or bottom ash is pulverized to a Blaine fineness of 4000 cm2/g or more.
US08293004B2

This study reports in vitro and in vivo properties of fluorapatite (FA)-forming calcium phosphate cements (CPCs). Experimental cements contained from (0 to 3.1) mass % of F, corresponding to presence of FA at levels of approximately (0 to 87) mass %. The crystallinity of the apatitic cement product increased greatly with the FA content. When implanted subcutaneously in rats, the in vivo resorption rate decreased significantly with increasing FA content. The cement with the highest FA content was not resorbed in soft tissue, making it biocompatible and bioinert CPC. These bioinert CPCs are candidates for use in useful applications where slow or no resorption of the implant is required to achieve the desired clinical outcome.
US08292988B2

The invention relates to a washing column (T) for implementing a physical gas washing. Gas (1) is sent from the bottom to the top and washing agent (2) is sent from the top to the bottom through the washing column. At least two washing sections (WS1, WS2) are arranged on top of one another in the washing column (T). The top section (WS2) is bounded at the bottom by a riser base (K), from which a portion of the washing agent that is charged into the top washing section can be introduced as washing agent into the lower washing section (WS1). Another portion of the washing agent can be removed from the washing column (T) via a lateral drain (4). The top washing section (WS2) is connected to the lower washing section (WS1) by an overflow (U), via which charged washing agent from the riser base (K) can be introduced into the lower washing section (WS1).
US08292986B2

Dispersed uniform spherical silver particles were prepared in the absence of a protective colloid by rapidly mixing concentrated iso-ascorbic acid and silver-polyamine complex solutions.
US08292983B2

An air filter arrangement is disclosed. The air filter arrangement includes strips of media comprising fluted sheets secured to facing sheets and forming inlet and outlet flutes secured to one another in a stack. Media pack arrangements including such stacked media with peripheral, perimeter, housing seal arrangements are described. Also described are air cleaners including the filter cartridges. Methods of assembly and use are also provided. Also, systems of use are described.
US08292973B2

A hair colorant composition being essentially free of surfactant and having a specific perfume system for the hair colorant composition, where the hair colorant composition is capable of forming a foamed hair colorant composition.
US08292967B2

A prosthesis includes an implant defining an attachment surface thereon. A porous insert is selectively coupled to the implant. The porous insert is adapted to be received at the attachment surface of the implant in a retained position. The porous insert is adapted to facilitate tissue ingrowth. In one embodiment the implant comprises a femoral component. The femoral component comprises an inner condylar portion having a first and second lateral sidewalls, an anterior wall and a posterior wall defining a box. The box defines the attachment surface. In other embodiments, the implant comprises a hip stem and an acetabular shell.
US08292966B2

An artificial toe joint utilizes a ball in socket joint structure and arms or side walls which are exterior to the bone. The resulting joint provides improved strength and durability, and may be used to repair joints which are not suitable for installation of a prior art artificial joint.
US08292962B2

An intervertebral prosthesis implantable within a disc space and disposed between upper and lower vertebral endplates is provided. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of prosthesis components insertable into the disc space, wherein the components have at least one set of complementarily-shaped and sized surfaces, and wherein the at least one set of complementarily-shaped surfaces comprises a slot, and a rod that fits in the slot. A method of implanting an intervertebral prosthesis according to the present invention also is provided.
US08292957B2

An interbody spinal implant is formed of cortical bone adapted for placement across an intervertebral space formed across the height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies. An asymmetrical leading end on the implant is adapted to sit upon the peripheral areas, such as the apophyseal rim and the apophyseal rim area, of the vertebral end plate region of the vertebral bodies without protruding therefrom. The asymmetrical leading end allows for the safe use of an implant of maximum length for the implantation space into which it is installed. The implant can also include an asymmetric trailing end adapted to sit upon the more peripheral areas of the vertebral end plate region of the vertebral bodies.
US08292948B2

An implantable prosthesis for percutaneous placement within a vein that forces opposing portions of the vessel wall of a vein together to create a new valve of autologous vein tissue to be operable to alternate between a valve closed configuration and a valve open configuration. When in a preset closed configuration, the implantable prosthesis pushes or pulls portions of the vessel wall of the vein together to substantially close the vein lumen and prevent retrograde blood flow from backflowing through the new valve in the valve closed configuration. The implantable prosthesis has leg portions that may be pushed apart in response to antegrade blood flow through the vein to allow the new valve to achieve the valve open configuration.
US08292944B2

The invention relates to an expandable stent comprising circumferentially adjacent modules. The modules comprise longitudinally adjacent slide-and-lock radial elements which permit one-way sliding of the radial elements from a collapsed diameter to an expanded/deployed diameter, but inhibit radial recoil from the expanded diameter.
US08292943B2

A vascular repair device includes a tubular graft body and a structural framework having at least two stents connected to the graft body. Stents of the structural framework can each be respectively connected to graft body adjacent the proximal and ends and the support member is shorter than the separation distance therebetween to form a gimbal at least at one end. A first stent is connected along an entirety thereof and a second stent is connected at distal apices thereof. Distal apices of the second stent have radii of curvature smaller than proximal apices. A curved longitudinal support member can be connected to the graft body, the support member being substantially symmetrical with respect to the centerline. The support member can be connected to the graft body independent of the structural framework. At least one of the ends of the support member can have a curved longitudinal extremity.
US08292938B2

Medical device delivery systems and related kits and methods for placing multiple expandable medical devices within a body vessel are provided. A delivery system includes first and second expandable medical devices having the same or different dimensions. Placement of the first and second expandable medical devices in a body vessel can be achieved without requiring withdrawal of one or more components of the delivery system and insertion of secondary components.
US08292926B2

A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate core and an outer sleeve. The core is of one-piece construction, elastic, and includes end portions for attachment to the bone anchors. The outer sleeve may include compression grooves. The sleeve surrounds the core and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible between the bone anchors.
US08292925B2

The present invention relates to spinal support devices and, more specifically, to a flexible member having variable flexibility for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a first material having a first portion including a first material having a first elasticity and a second portion including a second material having a second elasticity greater than the first to provide the flexible member with a variable flexibility.
US08292923B1

The present invention involves a system and method for implanting an interspinous spacer configured to self-distract a stenotic interspinous space. The present system includes, but is not necessarily limited to, an interspinous spacer and insertion instrumentation for assisting in the implantation and positioning of the interspinous spacer within an interspinous space.
US08292919B2

A skin seal or trocar stabilizer with an inflatable balloon in the shape of a dumbbell, where the balloon may be stored within a cannula for easy placement in an incision and inflated to deploy the balloon inside the body, and a portion of the balloon expands inside the cannula, whereby medical instruments may be passed through the skin seal into a laparoscopic workspace while the balloon is inflated, thereby allowing the use of normal short surgical instruments during laparoscopic procedures and during insufflation.
US08292909B1

Various medical devices and methods for cutting and/or evacuating tissue are provided. The devices and methods may utilize a reciprocating mechanism or motor powered by suction from a vacuum source. The medical devices and methods may be used on tissue in various regions of a patient's body and for treating various conditions, e.g., for performing a polypectomy or discectomy.
US08292904B2

A device for the intraluminal treatment of tissue comprises a handle, a shaft which extends from the handle and a head arranged at the distal end of the shaft, wherein the head comprises at least one jaw, movable between an open position, wherein it defines a window for the insertion of the tissue and surrounding tissue, and a closed position, and wherein the shaft extends between the handle and head in a curvilinear longitudinal direction.
US08292902B2

An instrument is disclosed including: a top jaw member extending between a proximal end and a distal end and including a first top anchor target slot and a second top anchor target slot; a bottom jaw member extending between a proximal end and a distal end and including a first bottom anchor target slot and a second bottom anchor target slot; and a joint member connected to the proximal ends of the top jaw member and the bottom jaw member.
US08292895B2

A system for removing osteal cement and prosthetic joint components in connection with a prosthetic joint revision includes a controller connected to and controlling operation of a transducer, such as a surgical saw or drill. A tool mounted on the transducer is adapted for engaging the prosthetic joint cement mantel and melting an engagement portion of same. The cement in the engagement portion is resolidified with the tool tip embedded therein. The tool thus bonds to the cement mantel, and is used for vibrating softening and breaking up same when operation of the transducer resumes. An osteal cement and prosthetic device removal method includes the steps of melting an engagement portion of the osteal cement mantel, bonding a transducer-mounted tool to the cement mantel by resolidifying the cement engagement portion and reactivating the transducer for vibrating, softening and breaking up the cement mantel whereby it can be removed from the patient.
US08292889B2

A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector and an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The elongated shaft includes a distal portion that is movable between aligned and articulated configurations. A pair of drive cables extends through the elongated shaft and is coupled to the distal portion such that reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables induces movement of the distal portion between the aligned and articulated configurations. An articulation drive mechanism is operable to induce reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables. The drive mechanism includes an actuator and a pair of torsion members that are rotatable about two distinct axes in response to movement of the actuator. A respective follower is operatively coupled to each torsion member to translate in a respective longitudinal direction in response to rotation of the torsion members, and each follower is coupled to a respective drive cable to impart translational motion thereto.
US08292875B2

A fluid delivery device and system is operable to fluidly couple a pair of fluid delivery conduits. One embodiment includes a fluid delivery device sized to meet ANSI/AAMI ID54:1996(R) 2005 and not mate with ANSI/HIMA MD70.1 or ISO 594/1 and ISO 594/2 standards for intravenous ports and connectors to prevent accidental intravenous delivery of fluids intended for enteral delivery.
US08292866B2

Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
US08292865B2

The present invention relates to absorbent articles and non-absorbent articles which comprise at least one improved double-sided soft and elastic material composite. The composites according to the invention may also be breathable. The composites are produced by incrementally stretching a laminate of an elastic layer between two non-elastic cloth-like layers. The non-elastic cloth-like layers tear during stretching such that the elasticity of the laminate after stretching is substantially the same as the elasticity of the film elastic layer.
US08292856B2

Drainage system including a ventricular catheter, a drainage catheter, and a positive displacement pump that can function to actively drain CSF from the ventricles of the brain of a patient. Methods of using a drainage system in accordance with the invention are also disclosed, as well as kits.
US08292851B2

An anchor guide for a trocar comprising a tubular body, formed by a plurality of substantially circular sectors, moveable radially toward and away from a longitudinal axis of the tubular body between a first position where they flank one another, according to a first substantially circular arrangement with diameter generally equal to that of the tubular body, and a second position at which they are generally equidistant from one another, according to a second substantially circular arrangement of greater diameter than that of the first arrangement. Each sector is rotatably connected to a support element and a manual operation member is provided, moveably connected to the support element, for moving the sectors from the first to the second position and vice versa.
US08292849B2

An insertion device and insertion set. The insertion device for inserting at least a portion of at least one piercing member of an insertion set through the skin of a patient includes a device housing, a carrier body and a driver. The carrier body is slidably received within the device housing for movement between an advanced position and a retracted position. The carrier body also includes a receiving structure to support the insertion set in a position with the at least one piercing member oriented for insertion through the skin of the patient at a predetermined or variable angle relative to the skin of the patient upon movement of the carrier body from the retracted position to the advanced position. The driver is operatively coupled between the device housing and the carrier body to urge the carrier body from the retracted position toward the advanced position to place at least a portion of the at least one piercing member of the insertion set thorough the skin of the patient to install the insertion set to the patient. The receiving structure of the carrier body is removable from the insertion set while maintaining the installation of the insertion set to the patient.
US08292831B2

A method is described to provide real-time fetal position, movement velocity, and head orientation feedback to professional medical staff and delivering mothers. Using this feedback, the mother can be apprised of how effective her pushing is moving the baby through the birth canal. Medical staff can use this feedback to assess fetal head orientation and determine location of the baby in the birth canal. The feedback device consists of metrology devices mounted on a fetal scalp electrode, a data acquisition method, software to interpret the metrology signals, and feedback hardware for doctors and the mother.
US08292830B2

An embodiment of the invention is a soft tissue impact assessment device. The device includes a skin that is shaped or moldable to a human-like form. A positional force or pressure sensor within the skin measures force or pressure and location of impact or contact with the skin and provides data regarding the force or pressure and location of impact or contact with the skin. In preferred embodiments, the skin includes a top layer made of a material and thickness that simulates the protection provided by particular human skin to underlying tissue. A pressure or force sensor sheet closely contacts the top layer in a manner that avoids any substantial movement between the top layer and the pressure or force sensor sheet during a range of anticipated force or pressure conditions to be experienced by the human surrogate during testing. A lining layer is suitable to be in close contact with a surface of a human like form. A preferred method for assessing potential for soft tissue injuries is implemented in software and includes accepting victim or human subject soft tissue injury data being assessed and comparing it to a database including objective data to determine compatibility between the stated cause of event and resulting soft tissue injuries. The database in preferred embodiments includes information organized by category of potentially injurious events, human age, and objective data relating magnitude of force or pressure, and location of impact(s) or contact(s) relative to various body regions.
US08292827B2

Medical devices that include micromachined hypotubes or that have themselves been micromachined can provide advantages in flexibility, strength and other desirable properties. Examples of such medical devices may include catheters such as guide catheters and balloon catheters. Such devices may also include dual shaft medical devices in which an outer shaft is reversibly lockable onto an inner shaft.
US08292804B2

A surgical lamp includes a lamp body with illuminants. Axes of bundled light beams emitted by the illuminants intersect a central axis at different positions along the central axis.
US08292785B2

A method for controlling a torque direction transition in a dual clutch transmission includes decreasing a torque capacity of a transmission input clutch when clutch slip reaches a target slip during a power-off condition, producing a subsequent power-on condition, and increasing torque capacity of said clutch when clutch slip reaches a second target slip.
US08292782B2

A belt continuously-variable transmission control apparatus includes: a belt continuously-variable transmission including; a primary pulley arranged to receive a torque from a driving source; a secondary pulley arranged to output the torque to driving wheels; a belt wound around the primary pulley and the secondary pulley; a hydraulic pressure control section configured to control a hydraulic pressure of one of the primary pulley and the secondary pulley which is a capacity side, and thereby to bring the belt, the primary pulley and the secondary pulley to a slip state; and a torque control section configured to control the torque of the driving source, and thereby to bring the slip state to a predetermined slip state.
US08292777B2

A method of controlling a hybrid vehicle during regenerative deceleration, the method including: determining deceleration of the vehicle; upon determining deceleration of the vehicle, operating a reversible electric machine as a generator to regenerate part of the kinetic energy of the vehicle; establishing a respective minimum speed of an internal combustion engine for each gear of a servocontrolled mechanical power train; determining and engaging the highest gear which, combined with the current state of motion of the vehicle, runs the internal combustion engine at higher than the respective minimum speed; keeping the gear engaged as long as the internal combustion engine runs at higher than the respective minimum speed; and downshifting by one gear when the internal combustion engine runs at lower than the respective minimum speed.
US08292776B1

A drive system with drive and freewheel modes comprises a final transfer element for receiving and rotating with a drive axle, and a final drive assembly in rotational communication with a motor. The final drive assembly is selectively engageable with the final transfer element to drive an axle received by the final transfer element. The final drive assembly has an engaged condition in which power is transferred through the final drive assembly to the drive axle and a disengaged condition in which power is not transferred through the final drive assembly. The final drive assembly comprises a gear set selectively engagable with the final transfer element in the engaged condition such that rotation of the gear set is transferred to the final transfer element. The gear set is selectively disengageable from the final transfer element in the disengaged condition such that rotation of the final transfer element is not transferred to the gear set.
US08292772B2

A transmission comprises a toroidal variator having first and second spaced-apart drive discs (12, 14) defining a toroidal cavity about a rotational axis (x-x), a transmission input (22) arranged to drive the first and second drive discs (12, 14) in opposite directions and supported on pivotal mountings between the drive discs (12, 14), one or more rollers (18, 20) arranged to contact the said drive discs (12, 14) and be driven thereby, wherein the transmission output (44) is driven by orbiting of the pivotal mountings around the rotational axis of the variator.
US08292764B2

A valve for a ball includes a casing and a core. The core is arranged at least partially inside the casing. The core comprises a first sealing area with a plurality of sections which have alternating concave and convex curvatures.
US08292748B2

A torsion damper including: a plurality of springs; a first plate with a central axis; and a second plate with a central axis. The plurality of springs displaces the first and second plates so that the central axis for the first plate is radially offset from the central axis for the second plate. In one embodiment, the radial offset between the central axis for the first plate and the central axis for the second plate is fixed. In another embodiment, the first plate comprises a central bore and the second plate comprises an extruded cylinder; and the fixed alignment is maintained by contact between the central bore and the extruded cylinder.
US08292745B2

Convertible rails for selecting player-tracking modes in an electronic game table are described. In one implementation, a rail or trim surrounds the periphery of the tabletop of an electronic game table. The rail has recessed bay openings for mounting user-interface hardware, such as for player-tracking. Player-tracking hardware may include, for example, touch-screen displays for manual input of user information, and player-identification card readers. A proprietor may install interchangeable rail section covers to expose some, all, or none of the bays. Thus, in a non-tracking mode, the bays may be covered, while in a tracking mode, some degree of player-tracking hardware mounted in the bays may be exposed to the user. In other implementations, interchangeable covers hide bays or expose hardware mounted on the tabletop itself. When the bays are covered, the cover blends in with the appearance and the surface of the tabletop, but the cover may be removed or swapped out in order to add selected hardware for the game table user.
US08292739B2

A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes reel displays and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the reel displays in a slot machine. In one system for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reel displays at any time, even while the reel displays are spinning. The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel display.
US08292734B2

A game configured such that one or more game characters behave based on behavior control data is executed. A reexecution section reexecutes the game from a situation at a time point in the past. A generation section generates second behavior control data based on first behavior control data used at the time point in the past and an operation of a user. A save section causes the situation at the time point in the past and the second behavior control data to be stored as a reference situation and special behavior control data associated with the reference situation, respectively. In a case where a comparison result between the situation of the game and the reference situation is a predetermined result, behavior control section starts behavior control of the one or more game characters based on the special behavior control data associated with the reference situation.
US08292729B2

Methods and systems of pari-mutuel wagering are disclosed to facilitate the wager construction process. In one method, patrons select runners, and betting options of selected runners are presented. In another method, a first wager is placed and other wagers are presented, wherein the additional wagers may include a runner of the first wager. Another method allows patrons to wager on a runner, wherein an area representing the runner is marked to indicate that this runner was selected on a previous wager or in the current wager. In another method, a portion of a wager is patron selected and a portion of the wager is suggested by the betting interface. In another method, patrons may construct wager(s) for single or future races, or specify criteria for those wagers. In another method, runners are displayed in a table and patrons may select or deselect runner combinations by selecting cells within the table. Methods and systems of pari-mutuel wagering that enable an organization to set rules to display the gaming activity, and an embodiment where players make subscription as well as programmed bets are described.
US08292713B2

This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for executing asynchronous game play by a plurality of players in one or more game instances.
US08292711B2

There is provided a moving picture processing device (100) that has a display unit (120), a main processor (150), a display control unit (160), and a main memory (180). Using an overall-moving-picture data item stored in the main memory (180), the display control unit (160) and the display unit (120) play the overall moving picture (AM1), whereby a plurality of sectional moving pictures (SM11 to SM14) is displayed. In other words, displaying one moving picture enables a plurality of moving pictures to be displayed. Therefore, by using the moving picture processing device (100), it is possible to simultaneously display more moving pictures than those determined depending on the device's capacity to play moving pictures.
US08292706B2

The roof light system is composed by a roof unit (10), a light conduit (70) and a diffuser unit (80). A ventilation device has a ventilation tube (60) is separate and detached from the light conduit (70). The first end (60a) of the ventilation tube is connected with the roof unit (10) and the second end (60b) is positioned at a distance from the diffuser unit (80). The ventilation device may additionally have a branch tube (160).
US08292704B2

A dashboard for a motor vehicle is prearranged in such a way that the air for ventilation of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle that exits from a top opening of the dashboard is deviated, by the Coanda effect, along the top surface of the dashboard and beyond the dashboard in the direction of the occupants of the passenger compartment. The dashboard is moreover provided with at least one flow-perturbing element, which can be brought into an active position thereof, in which it projects above the top surface of the dashboard, in an area immediately downstream of the aforesaid top opening, with reference to the direction of the flow of air coming out of the top opening. In the active position of the flow-perturbing element, the flow of air coming out of the top opening is deviated towards the windscreen of the motor vehicle. The movement of the flow-perturbing element is governed in synchronism with the movement of an open/close element that controls the flow of air to side front openings provided on the front surface of the dashboard, for the flow of air into the passenger compartment, and to auxiliary side openings, provided at the ends of the dashboard, for outflow of air in the direction of the side windows of the motor vehicle. The dashboard is without outlet openings for the air in the main central portion of its front surface, facing the occupants of the passenger compartment.
US08292693B2

A method of controlling the polishing of a substrate includes polishing a substrate on a first platen using a first set of parameters, obtaining first and second sequences of measured spectra from first and second regions of the substrate with an in-situ optical monitoring system, generating first and second sequences of values from the first and second sequences of measured spectra, fitting first and second linear functions to the first and second sequences of values, determining a difference between the first linear function and the second linear function, adjusting at least one parameter of the first set of parameters based on the difference, and polishing the second substrate on the first platen using the adjusted parameter.
US08292685B2

A method for producing a plasma display panel having a base layer including metallic oxides and agglomerated particles dispersed on the base layer includes the following steps of: forming the base layer on the dielectric layer; spreading an organic solvent in which the agglomerated particles are dispersed on the base layer to form a coating layer thereon; drying the coating layer under a reduced pressure to form an organic solvent coating film on at least the base layer; disposing the rear plate and the front plate on which the coating film is formed so as to face each other; heating the front plate and the rear plate facing each other to evaporate the coating film, dispersing the agglomerated particles on the base layer, and removing components of the evaporated coating film from the discharge space; and sealing the rear plate and the front plate from which the coating film is evaporated to each other.
US08292680B1

An external brass seal for a floatation device includes a body having an upper portion, a lower portion, at least one aperture, and a seal. The aperture extends through the body and is adapted to transfer fluid into the upper portion and out of the lower portion.
US08292679B2

In an apparatus for controlling an outboard motor mounted on a stern of a boat and having an internal combustion engine to power a propeller, a drive shaft that connects the engine and the propeller, a torque converter that is interposed between the engine and the drive shaft and is equipped with a lockup clutch, a water pump connected to the drive shaft to be driven by the drive shaft, and a shift mechanism interposed between the drive shaft and the propeller, comprising a neutral position detector that detects the shift mechanism being set in a neutral position; and a clutch ON unit that makes the lockup clutch ON to increase operation speed of the water pump when it is detected that the shift mechanism is set in the neutral position. With this, it becomes possible to improve cooling performance, thereby preventing a defect such as overheat of the engine.
US08292673B2

An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals retained in the housing. The insulative housing includes a mating cavity and a tongue portion in the mating cavity. The tongue portion defines a mating surface confronting with the mating cavity and a plurality of grooves arranged along a first direction of the tongue portion and extending in a mating direction of the connector. The grooves are recessed from the mating face. The terminals are retained in the housing and comprise contacting portions extending in corresponding groove. The contacting portions define contacting faces parallel to the mating face and communicating with the mating cavity in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the mating direction. The grooves are disposed so deeply that the contacting faces of the terminals are recessed from the mating face.
US08292670B2

A cable interface device is provided for physically and electronically connecting two devices. The cable interface device comprises a first pin pickup assembly electrically connectable to a first multi-pin connector of a first electronic device having a first pin geometry. The device also includes a hardware specific signal routing adapter connected electronically and physically in series with the pin pickup assembly and a second pin pickup assembly electrically connectable to a second pin connector of a second electronic device having a second pin geometry, the second pin geometry being electronically and mechanically different from the first pin geometry.
US08292662B2

A watertight connector has a shell, an insulating housing wrapped in the shell, a plurality of terminals mounted into the shell, a fixing element fixed on the shell. A rear of the insulating housing is recess to form a receiving cavity for receiving a fixing block molded with a plurality of terminals, so there is no hole between the terminals and the insulating housing. A fixing element is fixed on the shell to seal openings of the shell for providing excellent waterproof property. So, all the openings of the watertight connector are sealed tightly. Also, the structure of the watertight connector is simple for reducing the production cost.
US08292661B2

A phone plug connector device having a preassembled phone plug and connector, wherein the phone plug includes a conductive tip and a stem, wherein the connector connects the phone plug to a coaxial cable, wherein the coaxial cable comprises a center conductor surrounded by a first dielectric, the first dielectric being surrounded by a first conductive sheath, and the first conductive sheath surrounded by a protective outer jacket, wherein the connector connects the coaxial cable to the phone plug mechanically and electrically by compression.
US08292657B2

The portable electrical power box includes a power extension cord connected to a 240-volt input plug. Via the input plug, the device plugs into a 240-volt outlet in a home or other location where split phase power is available. Two branch circuits comprise 120-volt receptacles disposed on the power box. The power extension cord has a neutral wire, a first split voltage wire, and a second split voltage wire. The neutral and first split voltage wire feed voltage to the first branch circuit of receptacles. The neutral and second split voltage wire feed voltage to the second branch circuit of receptacles. This arrangement minimizes overloading electrical panels in homes with extension cords in the home's 120-VAC outlets. The device has circuit breakers to prevent overloads.
US08292650B2

If connection postures of a first and a second housings (10, 40) are inclined from proper ones at a final stage of a connecting process of the first and second housings (10, 40,) pressing portions (73) of a lever (60) press pressable portions (29) of the first housing (10) to correct the connection postures of the first and second housings (10, 40). A mutual connection force of the first and second housings (10, 40) reaches a maximum value when an operable portion (61) of the lever (60) is located at a position near the rear surface of a cover (12) or overlapping the rear surface of the cover (12) before the pressing portions (73) press the pressable portions (29) in the connecting process of the first and second housings (10, 40).
US08292648B2

A flexible cable connecting structure includes a terminal part including a plurality of conductive patterns, the conductive patterns being formed at an end part of a flexible cable; a plurality of connector pins that are provided side by side inside a connector, the connector pins being configured to be connected to the terminal part; a cable side guide part fixed at a rear surface of the terminal part of the flexible cable; and a connector side guide part provided at a cable inserting opening of the connector, the connector side guide part being configured to guide inserting and detaching of the cable side guide part. The cable side guide part slides on the connector side guide part when the cable side guide part is being inserted into the cable inserting opening of the connector, so that the inserting and detaching of the cable side guide part is guided.
US08292645B2

A keyless harsh environment connector has a plug unit containing a pin having an outer surface carrying a plurality of axially spaced, annular contacts of gradually decreasing diameter towards a forward end of the pin, and a receptacle unit having a fluid-filled chamber containing a corresponding number of axially spaced, annular contacts of gradually increasing diameter towards a forward end of the receptacle unit, configured for mating engagement with corresponding contacts on the plug pin when the units are mated. A sealing mechanism at a forward end of the chamber seals the chamber when the units are unmated and forms a seal with the plug pin on mating of the units. The plug pin is hollow and extends through an interface between opposing seals at the front end of the receptacle contact chamber during mating.
US08292636B2

A pin header connector includes a number of electrically conductive pins, two insulating plates, and a supporting body. The pins are arranged in two parallel rows. Each of the rows comprises at least three pins. Each of the insulating plates defines a number of through holes corresponding to the pins. Each of the pins extends through the corresponding through hole. The supporting body defines slots accommodating the respective pins. The supporting body is sandwiched between the insulating plates.
US08292632B2

A connector assembly includes a compression connector with a plurality of terminals received therein and a circuit board assembled to the compression connector. The compression connector includes an insulative housing defining a base and a locating portion protruding upwardly from a top surface of the base and, each terminal having a spring portion received in the locating portion and an engaging portion extending forwardly from the spring portion. The circuit board forms a hole receiving the locating portion and makes electrically connection with the engaging portions.
US08292622B2

The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant in a bone. In the bone, a thin slit is formed by a cutting tool in a mesiodistal direction around an insertion spot of the implant. The thin slit is cut and widened by a bone chisel. Into the implant insertion spot, a tool for forming cavity provided with a needle portion is squeezed while being rotated, and a cavity is formed. In the formed cavity and the slit, blood of a patient is collected, by which a tissue is rapidly regenerated and bonded to the inserted implant, and the implant is firmly fixed to the bone.
US08292619B2

The present invention is directed to a unit dose delivery system for flowable substances. The delivery system or applicator of the present invention allows storage, mixing and well controlled dispensing of multi-material component substances.
US08292608B2

There are provided an apparatus for fixing a plastic sheet which fixes a plastic sheet to fabricate a nano pattern and a method of fabricating a nano pattern on a plastic sheet using the same. The apparatus for fixing a plastic sheet includes: a pair of planar metal guide rings interposingly fixing a plastic sheet from above and below, respectively; and a sheet fixing chuck including: a ring fixer sucking the pair of planar metal guide rings through a vacuum groove to be fixed thereto; and a sheet fixer having a plurality of vacuum pin holes formed therein, the vacuum pin holes sucking a bottom of the plastic sheet fixed by the planar metal guide rings. The apparatus allows fabrication of the nano pattern on the plastic sheet having less roughness than that of a semiconductor substrate or a glass substrate.
US08292607B2

The powder compression molding machine includes: a case having a frame; a fresh air intake provided to the case; a suction port for drawing in an atmosphere in the case; an internal pressure measure that measures internal pressure in the case; a suction force measure that measures a suction force for drawing in the atmosphere in the case from the suction port; and a suction force control device that controls the suction force for drawing in the atmosphere in the case from the suction port. The internal pressure in the case is controlled by controlling the suction force by the suction force controller based on the internal pressure in the case measured by the internal pressure measure and/or the suction force measured by the suction force measure.
US08292606B2

A tire curing mold capable of operating between open and closed positions includes a first plurality of translatable sections, the sections translatable between open and closed positions and one or more first side plates positioned for engagement with the first plurality of translatable sections when the sections are in the closed position. The tire curing mold also includes a first mold back ring slidably engaging the first plurality of sections and slidably attached to a first base plate, and a first plurality of displacement members extending between the first base plate and the first mold back ring, the one or more displacement members applying a closing force against the first mold back ring to force the first plurality of translatable sections into the closed position.
US08292598B2

Embodiments of the present, invention provide a system and method for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for determining a home position to reduce hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.
US08292586B2

An annulus filler is provided for mounting to a rotor disc of a gas turbine engine and for bridging the gap between two adjacent blades attached to the rotor disc. The annulus filler has a body portion which defines an airflow surface for air being drawn through the engine, and one or more hook portions which extend radially inwardly from the body portion. The hook portions are for connection to corresponding engagement portions on the radially outer face of the rotor disc. The or each hook portion is attached to the body portion by a joining arrangement in which a wedge part provided by one of the hook portion and the body portion is received in a complementary-shaped retention recess provided by the other of the hook portion and the body portion.
US08292583B2

A turbine blade is provided for a gas turbine comprising: a support structure comprising a base defining a root of the blade and a framework extending radially outwardly from the base, and an outer skin coupled to the support structure framework. The skin has a generally constant thickness along substantially the entire radial extent thereof. The framework and the skin define an airfoil of the blade.
US08292582B1

A turbine blade with a low flow cooling circuit that includes two 5-pass serpentine flow circuits that are partially separated and partial combined to form the low flow capability while providing adequate cooling for the blade. The pressure sidewall and the suction sidewall both include an up-pass channel and a down-pass channel to form the first two legs of two serpentine flow circuits. Positioned between the up-pass and down-pass channels are two mid-chord channels that form third and fourth legs of the common serpentine flow circuit. A fifth leg is formed through a trailing edge up-pass channel that provides cooling air for a trailing edge cooling circuit with exit holes. The forward most mid-chord chamber that forms the third leg supplies impingement cooling air to the leading edge cooling circuit that also includes film cooling holes for the leading edge surface.
US08292577B2

The invention concerns a removable impeller (7) designed to be integrated in a fan (1), in particular for controlled mechanical ventilation, and configured in the shape of a wheel provided with a plurality of blades (8) and equipped with locking clips to enable its being fixed on a hub. The invention is characterized in that it includes projecting transmitting clips, arranged proximate a central neck having an axis of revolution that is parallel to that of the wheel, and designed so as to enable the locking clips to be alternately engaged or released. The invention also concerns a fan including such an impeller.
US08292576B2

A compressor scroll is provided for redirecting an airflow from a compressor. The compressor scroll includes a spiral-shaped body; a radial inlet formed in the body for receiving the airflow from the compressor as inlet airflow; and an outlet formed in the body such that inlet airflow flows through the body and exits the outlet as outlet airflow, with at least a portion of the outlet airflow crossing at least a portion of the inlet airflow.
US08292568B2

In order to provide a wind turbine generator and an operation method of the wind turbine generator which is not subjected to damages caused by foreign objects inside a rotor hub, the wind turbine generator comprises blades, a rotor hub to which the blades are fixed, a rotating shaft such as a main shaft and a coupling being connected to the rotor hub and rotating with the rotor hub, a FO detection sensor arranged inside the rotor hub for detecting a foreign object inside the rotor hub, a brake device such as a pitch control unit and a parking brake for stopping the rotation of the rotating shaft, and a controller for controlling the brake device to stop the rotation of the rotating shaft when the FO detection sensor detects the foreign object.
US08292560B2

A modified anchor device for attaching a structure to a thin-walled work piece allows a structure, such as a luggage or utility rack, to be attached to a work piece, such as an automobile roof, without threaded fasteners connecting the structure to the work piece. The anchor device has an double-sectioned head having an upper head member and a lower head member The upper head member extends above the surface of the work piece a sufficient distance such that the upper head member engages the top surface of the structure, thus retaining the bottom side of the structure in face-to-face contact with the top side of the work piece.
US08292557B2

A vehicle transporter includes a frame with a load deck, a slidable undercarriage mounted on the frame and a subframe movably mounted on the frame between raised and lowered positions. Wheel wells are formed in the deck when the subframe is lowered relative to the frame. A pair of outrigger assemblies each includes a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder lift unit for raising and lowering the transporter whereby the undercarriage can be slid between fore and aft positions.
US08292555B2

This invention has to do with a rotary twist drill of the type having a fluted cylindrical shank with a drill bit end having at least two cutting edges extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the drill. Cutting edges are formed by the intersection of the flutes with the drill point end and extend radially outwardly from the center of the drill body to the outer perimeter of the drill body. Gashes formed on the drill point end form innermost cutting edge portions which are symmetrical with one another about a point offset both horizontally and vertically from the axial centerline of the drill body so as to allow a positive cutting action at the centerline of the material to be removed.
US08292554B2

Device for deburring bore edges comprising a base body in which at least one recess transversally oriented relative to the longitudinal axis thereof is formed, at least one spring-loaded blade is slidingly displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the recess and a compression spring is disposed in the base body longitudinal bore and is supported by an end of a control bolt whose other end is engaged in a control recess formed in the blade for providing it with a retaining force in a displacement direction. The invention is characterized in that the base body for deburring the bores of a diameter<20 mm, comprises on the front thereof a smaller-diameter guide sleeve which is provided with a longitudinal bore formed therein forming a sliding guide element for guiding the control bolt tip sliding in said bore.
US08292543B2

A bioreactor including one or more features that improve bioreactor liquid infiltration and gas recovery including a porous material layer having a layer of first porous material including a trench, a second porous material located in the trench and extending beyond the top surface of the layer of first porous material and perforated gas recovery piping located in the second porous material.
US08292542B2

The invention provides an undershot sluice gate (17) to control flow of liquid through an open channel (10). The gate (17) includes a gate leaf (18) adapted to be raised and lowered by a control means (22) to allow flow of liquid along open channel (10). Gate leaf (18) has at least a pair of opposing liquid level sensors (44, 46) on, or in, gate leaf (18) to provide measurement of liquid level upstream and downstream of gate leaf (18). The sensors (44, 46) are located at a predetermined distance from the lowermost edge of gate leaf (18) to allow said measurements without disturbance from the fluid flow profile resulting from movement of liquid beneath the lowermost edge of gate leaf (18).
US08292536B2

An applicator tool for applying a liquid onto a surface of a floor includes an applicator and a handle connected to the applicator. The applicator includes a housing having a bottom surface and a plurality of sidewalls. The bottom surface is connected to the sidewalls to define a reservoir. The bottom surface has at least one opening in fluid for substantially continuously dispensing the liquid.
US08292527B2

A pen-shaped printing device having a pen-shaped body, a plurality of intersecting ribs longitudinally extending along the body to define internal chambers for printing fluid, and a printhead having ejection nozzles configured to eject the printing fluid from the chambers onto a surface.
US08292525B2

In a method for controlling a print head with a number of printing elements operating according to the thermotransfer principle, an energy quantity is fed to a printing element in a feed step in order to transfer ink from an ink carrier device associated with the print head to a substrate associated with the ink carrier device to generate an image point of a barcode, with the energy quantity being adjusted dependent on the position of the image point in the barcode.
US08292524B1

A lens module includes a first lens and a spacer. The first lens is arranged adjacent to an object side of the lens module. The first lens includes a first optical portion and a first support portion surrounding the first optical portion. The first support portion includes a first slanted annular surface which is facing inwardly of the first lens and is adjacent to an image side of the lens module. The spacer is arranged adjacent to the image side of the lens module. The spacer includes a spacer portion and a first shielding portion extending from the spacer portion. The first shielding portion covers the first slanted annular surface.
US08292517B2

An optical fiber terminal apparatus includes an optical fiber protection jacket including a pre-defined, longitudinally extending seam that can be opened at a selected location along the jacket to define an opening into the optical fiber protection jacket at the selected location. The apparatus further includes an adapter terminal configured to mate with an outer profile of the optical fiber protection jacket. The adapter terminal includes a body portion that is configured to support a coupling between an optical fiber extending from the opening in the optical fiber protection jacket to a customer optical fiber. The seam may be repeatably and selectively closable.
US08292502B2

The invention pertains to flexible devices used for zero-heat-flux, deep tissue temperature measurement, especially to disposable temperature measurement devices. Such a device is constituted of a flexible substrate. An electrical circuit is disposed on a side of the substrate. The electrical circuit includes first and second thermal sensors disposed, respectively, on first and second substrate layers. A heater trace is disposed on the first substrate layer with the first thermal sensor. The first and second substrate layers are separated by a flexible layer of insulation disposed between the first and second substrate layers. The heater trace defines a heater with a central portion that operates with a first power density and a peripheral portion around the central portion that operates with a second power density greater than the first power density.
US08292500B1

An electronic thermometer includes a probe adapted to be heated by a subject for use in measuring a temperature of the subject. At least one temperature sensor detects a temperature of the probe. An IR emitter emits an infrared signal from the probe. And an IR detector detects the infrared signal emitted by the IR emitter. The detection of the IR signal by the IR detector indicates that the probe is received in a probe cover.
US08292499B2

An engine coolant amount determining apparatus includes an electric water pump that can be operated intermittently while an engine is running, and a coolant temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of coolant at a location higher than the water pump. The engine coolant amount determining apparatus also includes determining means for determining that the amount of coolant is equal to or less than a predetermined amount when the degree of change in the coolant temperature detected by the coolant temperature detecting means when the water pump is operated intermittently is large.
US08292498B2

A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. At the beginning of each test, the test sample is aerated with dry air until saturation. Simultaneously, the test equipment is primed to remove pockets of air there from. After each test, the test equipment is flushed to remove the test sample there from.
US08292481B2

The invention relates to a vehicle headlamp containing a multiple number of LED light sources and at least one optical unit upstream of the LED sources, whereby the LED light sources are arranged in groups with one group of LED light sources to generate a specified light distribution, whereby the LED light sources within one group of LED light sources are of equal size, whereby the dimensions of the LED light sources within one group of LED light sources and/or the optical unit demonstrate the illumination characteristics needed to ensure that the group of LED light sources completely fulfills at least one specified lighting function in the vehicle environment, whereby light spots are produced with a vertical and/or horizontal critical angle within the range of between 0.2° and 1°.
US08292479B2

A vehicular infrared irradiation lamp includes an infrared light-emitting element for projecting infrared light; a visible light-emitting element that emits visible light; and a transparent member provided at least partially adjacent to a light-emitting portion of the infrared light-emitting element. The transparent member radiates visible light received from the visible light-emitting element in a radiation direction of infrared light.
US08292475B2

A method is disclosed for enhancing secureness of grip of a light-bulb-clip of a clip-on lampshade, by enhancing the frictional properties of the light-bulb-clip. Also disclosed are a clip-on lampshade, and a finial clip-on lampshade adapter, which both include a light-bulb-clip that is formed using the disclosed method. Frictional gripping capability is increased by optionally abrading, and applying and curing a liquid coating of polymer dipping compound to, portions of wire that are to function as gripping portions of a light-bulb-clip, thereby forming a cured, friction-enhancing layer that enables the light bulb clip to be more securely attached to either a traditional light bulb or to a compact fluorescent “CFL” bulb. The liquid coating can be applied by dipping, brushing, and/or spraying. Curing can be by heating and/or allowing to dry. The dipping compound is ideally made from heat-resistant elastomer and/or silicone.
US08292473B2

A light-emitting panel comprising a plate-like translucent member (1) having a light-emitting front side (3) and, parallel thereto, a rear side (4) which has a plurality of cavities (2). Light can be coupled out by specular reflection from surfaces (8) of the cavities (2). Each cavity (2) has a side wall (7) and a bottom (8), which extends at an angle to said rear side (4). Each cavity (2) comprises a filler element (10) which is in optical contact with a major portion of the side wall (7) of the cavity (2), while there is a distance between the filler element (10) and the bottom (8) of the cavity (2) in order to form a closed space (11).
US08292471B2

The present invention relates to a light emitting diode, LED, light source that may be arranged for retrofitting into a luminaire employing an incandescent light source. The light source comprises a light guide into which light from one or more LEDs in a light unit arranged at one end of the light guide is injected, and a reflector having a reflecting surface arranged at the other end of the light guide and facing towards the light guide capable of reflecting light incident on the reflecting surface. According to the present invention, the reflector comprises at least one transmitting portion being arranged such that at least a portion of light incident on the at least one transmitting portion is transmitted through the reflector, for example a through hole extending along an axis, allowing for an almost viewing angle independent light intensity of the light source.
US08292467B2

The invention provides an illumination device (1) comprising a lighting unit (2). The lighting unit (2) comprises a light source (100) and a substantially flat light guide (200), arranged to collimate light source light (111). The light guide (200) has an entrance window (210), an edge window (220), a first light guide surface (201), a second light guide surface (202), a first side edge (230) and a second side edge (240). One or more of the first light guide surface (201) and the second light guide surface (202) comprise a plurality of grooves (300). In this way, latitudinal collimation is obtained.
US08292462B2

A lamp seat structure capable of adjusting light source sensing direction includes a connecting seat and a lampshade, or includes a connecting seat and a light bulb. The connecting base includes a base, a metallic lid, a cylinder, and a circuit modular board which are connected with an outer metallic conducting rod and an inner metallic conducting rod so as to be screwed to a light holder. A blocking board is located between a limit light trough of the cylinder and a light sensor of the circuit modular board. The circuit modular board is disposed under a partition. The circuit modular board is provided with a plurality of light emitting diodes for illumination. Alternatively, the circuit modular board is disposed and located on the partition, and a lower end of the cylinder is formed with an inner metallic threaded section for connecting with the light bulb. The lamp of the present invention is capable of sensing light and dark to turn on/off the lamp automatically.
US08292454B2

An illuminated inflator for inserting into the neck of a balloon includes a gas-tight flange having a periphery, a center, and upper and lower surfaces. A filler tube has upper and lower ends and extends through the flange, with the lower end of the filler tube extending below the lower surface the flange and the upper end of the filler tube extending above the upper surface of the flange. A one-way valve is in flow communication with the filler tube. A light assembly includes a power source and at least one light element electrically connected to the power source. The light assembly is operably mounted to the flange at the upper surface thereof. A switch is operably connected to the power source and the at least one light element for providing power to and isolating power from the at least one light element. The inflator is inserted into the balloon with the flange in the neck of the balloon defining a pressure region boundary. The bottom of the filler tube extends outside of the pressure region boundary for filling the balloon with a gas, such that the one-way valve prevents gas from escaping from the pressure region boundary through the filler tube. The switch is mounted to the inflator outside of the pressure region boundary to allow actuation/access to the switch without access to the pressure boundary and without contacting the balloon.
US08292453B2

A lighting device, comprising a housing and at least one mounting clip. The housing comprises an electrical connection region engageable in an electrical receptacle. The mounting clip is pivotable from a first position, where an end region of the mounting clip does not extend beyond a periphery of the housing, to a second position, where the end region extends beyond the housing periphery. Also, a lighting device, comprising a housing, a trim element and at least one mounting clip. The mounting clip is pivotable, such that if the mounting clip is in a second position and then the trim element is rotated, the mounting clip will pivot to a third position, where the mounting clip engages the housing such that the trim element is biased toward a ceiling or other structure in which the lighting device is mounted. Also, methods of installing housings and/or trim elements.
US08292451B2

A lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet comprising: a spot light source which emits light relative to a central emission axis; and a translucent diffuser spaced from the spot light source, the diffuser comprising an inner portion located so as to intercept light emitted along the emission axis and an outer portion spaced from the emission axis, the inner and outer portions arranged such that the diffuser prevents transmission of more light in the region of the inner portion than in the region of the outer portion.
US08292447B2

Disclosed is a backlight unit. The backlight unit includes a bottom frame having a bottom surface and a sidewall, a plurality of light emitting diodes defining a plurality of light emitting areas, at least one module substrate provided on the bottom surface of the bottom frame to support at least one light emitting diode and including a connector to supply external power to the light emitting diode, and a integrated light guide plate to bury the light emitting diode therein and provided at the light emitting areas corresponding to one screen image. Dark lines are prevented in the light guide plate and a slim backlight unit is obtained by forming a integrated light guide plate corresponding to a screen image of the display panel in the backlight unit driven by dividing the light emitting areas.
US08292446B2

An illumination device for a multineedle sewing machine includes an illuminating member which has a light source and located at a lateral side of a needle bar case and is disposed so as to open portions of needle bars and portions of needles, a light amount adjusting unit which adjusts an amount of light of the light source, and a control unit which controls the light amount adjusting unit with movement of the needle bar case by the needle bar case moving mechanism together with the illuminating member so that a predetermined illuminance is maintained at least in part of an illuminated area which is illuminated by the light source. The part of the illuminated area is located near the needle drop position.
US08292441B2

A deformable mirror includes a plurality of block segments and at least one actuator. The block segments are arranged in an array, with adjacent block segments being coupled together by an elastomer and the top surface of the array being reflective. The at least one actuator is coupled to at least one of the block segments at the bottom surface of the array and is adapted to adjust in piston.
US08292437B2

A video projector for displaying a picture based on a video signal. The video projector includes a first LCD panel for red light, a second LCD panel for green light, and a third LCD panel for blue light. A light source emits light toward the first to third LCD panels. A modulated light computer determines a correction coefficient for reducing the amount of light emitted from the light source toward the first to third LCD panels when temperature load of at least one of the first to third LCD panels increases. An emitted light amount control unit corrects the video signal with the correction coefficient and controls the amount of light emitted from the light source toward the first to third LCD panels.
US08292433B2

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.
US08292419B2

The inkjet recording apparatus includes: a conveyance device which conveys a recording medium; a drying air flow spraying device which sprays a drying air flow onto the recording medium while the recording medium is conveyed by the conveyance device; a negative pressure suctioning device which opposes the drying air flow spraying device, and suctions a rear surface of the recording medium and suctions at least a portion of the drying air flow sprayed by the drying air flow spraying device while the recording medium is conveyed by the conveyance device; and an inkjet head which ejects ink to be deposited on the recording medium.
US08292418B2

The invention provides an aqueous ink composition including: a) a water-based medium; b) a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond; and c) resin particles including a water-insoluble vinyl polymer and a water-insoluble photoinitiator.
US08292412B2

An ink-jet recording apparatus including a recording head for ejecting an ink, an auxiliary reservoir having an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber both open to the atmosphere and configured to store the ink, a first supply passage for supplying the ink from the downstream chamber of the auxiliary reservoir to the recording head, a return passage for returning the ink from the recording head to the upstream chamber of the auxiliary reservoir, and a partition portion which divides an internal space of the auxiliary reservoir into the upstream and downstream chambers and which has a filter section at least partially contacting the ink in the upstream and downstream chambers.
US08292410B2

A liquid ejecting head includes a flow passage substrate having a pressure generation chamber in communication with a nozzle opening. A piezoelectric element includes first and second electrode and a piezoelectric substance layer and is positioned over one surface of the flow passage substrate. The piezoelectric element is deformed to form a convex toward the pressure generation chamber when the piezoelectric element is driven. A protection film formed from an inorganic material covers the piezoelectric element and has an opening through which an upper surface of the second electrode is exposed. An end of the opening in the protection film viewed in a direction of the length of the pressure generation chamber is located closer to the center than is an area at which the center of curvature of a curve of the piezoelectric element that forms near a wall around the pressure generation chamber during deformation operation.
US08292404B2

A process for preparing a flexible device having a superoleophobic surface comprising providing a flexible substrate; disposing a silicon layer on the flexible substrate; using photolithography to create a textured pattern in the silicon layer on the substrate wherein the textured pattern comprises a groove structure; and chemically modifying the textured surface by disposing a conformal oleophobic coating thereon; to provide a flexible device having a superoleophobic surface.
US08292403B2

A droplet discharge device includes an inkjet head including a nozzle plate having a nozzle, the inkjet head aligned so that a droplet of a function liquid discharged from the nozzle is placed on a surface of a target, a heater applying heat to the function liquid at the inkjet head, and an insulating member having an opening corresponding to the nozzle, the insulating member positioned between the target and the nozzle plate so as to prevent heat transmission from the inkjet head to the target.
US08292389B2

In a recording control system, representative pixels are set as a part of the pixels in the detection region. The determining unit determines whether a pixel value of the selected at least one representative pixel falls within a first pixel value range. The recording head ejects ink based on pixel data in the first region while scanning in the first direction. The recording head ejects ink based on pixel data in the second region adjacent to the first region while scanning in the first direction when the pixel value of the selected at least one representative pixel falls within the first pixel value range. The recording head ejects ink based on pixel data in the second region while scanning in the second direction when the pixel value of at least one of the selected at least one representative pixel does not falls within the first pixel value range.
US08292388B2

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a driving element driven by a driving waveform and a nozzle that ejects liquid in response to the driving element. A driving signal generator generates the driving waveforms in a period and creates a driving signal in which the driving waveforms are repeatedly generated in each period. The driving signal generator creates the driving signal in which at least two first driving waveforms configured to eject the maximum amount of liquid among amounts of liquid ejected from the nozzle once in the period and at least two second driving waveforms configured to eject a different amount of liquid are generated in each period. The driving signal is such that a temporal interval at which the first driving waveform is generated is closer to the half length of the period than a temporal interval at which the second driving waveform is generated.
US08292380B2

A rack includes a upper frame, a frame post, and a confluence member. The upper frame includes a first pillar and a second pillar connected to the first pillar. A first guiding groove is defined in the first pillar. A second guiding groove is defined in the second pillar. The first guiding groove and the second guiding groove extend substantially along the horizontal plane. The frame post is coupled with a connection portion of the first pillar and the second pillar. A third guiding groove is defined in the frame post. The third guiding groove extends uprightly. The confluence member is mounted between the frame post and the connection portion of the first pillar and the second pillar. A plurality of confluence grooves is defined in the confluence member. The plurality of confluence grooves links the first guiding groove and the second guiding groove to the third guiding groove.
US08292376B1

A system having an adjustable pivot length assist mechanism for a cover or door of an enclosure. Adjusting lengths of a link may change a differential ratio of mechanical advantage in that a small change in the force transfer link length yields a large change in the gas spring load for a given force at the other end of the link. The mechanism may utilize one or more gas springs. One end of a spring may be connected to a bellcrank rotatable on a shaft attached to a portion of a hinge secured to the enclosure. Another portion of the hinge may be attached to and support the door relative to the enclosure. Attached to another location on the bellcrank may be a force transfer link connected to a lever attached to a door portion of the hinge. The force transfer link may have a length adjustment. At least one end of each of the one or more gas springs may have two-dimensional movement.
US08292366B2

A fold-and-dive seat may include a first link bracket, one end of which is pivotally connected to a back frame and the other end of which is pivotally connected to a cushion frame, wherein the one end of the first link bracket is spaced from a folding pivot shaft of the back frame, a second link bracket, one end of which is pivotally connected to a leading end of the cushion frame, and the other end of which is selectively engaged to an upper guide, wherein the upper guide pivotally coupled to the back frame by the folding pivot shaft is slidably coupled to a lower guide fixed to a vehicle body and configured to move along the lower guide, and a locking device selectively holding the second link bracket by engaging the second link bracket to the upper guide so as not to rotate the second link bracket such that the leading end of the cushion frame is not moved downwards.
US08292362B2

An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a frame which attaches to outdoor furniture, in particular to a chair, and a canopy. Embodiments can be moved from an overhead position to a behind the chair position. The frames can be moved from a collapsed to a fully extended position. In embodiments the canopy can be positioned to contain the collapsed frame and chair in the carrying position.
US08292359B2

A roof apparatus for a vehicle, includes a pair of guide rails, a movable panel, a housing, a casing, and a first spur tooth rack belt and a second spur tooth rack belt for transmitting a drive force of a drive mechanism to the movable panel. The first spur tooth rack belt includes plural first spur teeth and the second spur tooth rack belt includes plural second spur teeth, and a slope portion inclined upward toward a rear side of the vehicle is provided forward of each of the pair of guide rails. A pair of guide portions is provided at each of the guide rails for guiding the first spur tooth rack belt and the second spur tooth rack belt. A cutout portion is formed at a front end portion of each of the guide rails.
US08292356B2

A reinforcing member is provided at a lower-outside corner of a side-sill reinforcement so as to extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction including a connection portion of the side sill to a center pillar for straining deformation of the corner. A deformation promoting portion which is provided at an upper portion of the side-sill reinforcement at a specified position which corresponds to the connection portion for prompting deformation of the upper portion of the side-sill reinforcement. Accordingly, a lower vehicle-body structure of a vehicle which can properly restrain the side sill and the center pillar from coming toward the vehicle inside at the vehicle side crash can be provided.
US08292343B2

Each of a pair of chopsticks includes a food-carrying portion formed on a first end thereof, and a magnetic portion formed on a second end thereof opposite to the first end. The magnetic portion has a receiving space defined therein and a magnet received in the receiving space. The magnetic portion has a tapered section disposed on an outer periphery thereof and corresponding to the magnet. The tapered section gradually tapered toward a distal end of the second end. When the two magnets of the chopsticks magnetically attract each other, the two tapered sections of the chopsticks contact with each other and the two food-carrying portions are separated automatically. The two food-carrying portions are able to pivotally move toward/outward each other.
US08292342B2

A plate carrier is carried on a server's forearm. The carrier comprises a wireform having a horizontal support portion for carrying the plate carrier on the forearm, a vertical loop portion looping around a server's forearm, and a plate holder portion below the server's forearm. The horizontal support is carried between the elbow and the palm. The vertical loop portion centers the plate holder portion under the server's forearm and the plate holder portion positions the plate holders centered under the forearm longitudinally closer to the elbow than the palm. The plate holders comprise a stationary lower jaw and a pivoting upper jaw allowing adjustment to hold a variety of plates.
US08292333B2

An inlet hole capable of inserting a pipe thereinto is formed in a pipe joint body along an axis. Retainer attaching holes for attaching with a retainer that prevents detachment of the pipe are formed in a side surface of the pipe joint body to extend therethrough. These retainer attaching holes are configured symmetrically with respect to an X axis passing through a center of the inlet hole as a symmetrical axis. Thus, a circumference of the inlet hole opens symmetrically, so that the heat shrinkage condition after molding is equalized in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, it is not necessary to process a molding pin for the inlet hole with imbalance of heat shrinkage amount in mind, so that the molding pin becomes easy to process. In addition, the retainer can selectively utilize the retainer attaching holes at two positions, so that selective use depending on installation environment can be achieved.
US08292324B2

A side impact crash sensor that operates in conjunction with displacement of a door outer panel of a vehicle door in the event of a side impact crash. The side impact crash sensor comprises a sensor housing coupled to a vehicle door member in a sectioned region of the door and a pendulum rotates around a rotating shaft secured to the sensor housing in the event of a side impact crash. The pendulum is conductive and is housed in a housing space of the sensor housing. The side impact crash sensor further comprises a detecting section including a conductive coil energized by an alternating current secured to the sensor housing. The detecting section detects a rotation operation mode of the pendulum on the basis of a change in impedance of a conductive coil which occurs in conjunction with a rotation operation of the pendulum.
US08292317B1

A tow bar for tricycle or bicycle. The tow bar includes a handle attached at one end of a spine, an arm attached at an opposite end of the spine, and fingers attached to the arm. Each finger has a finger hook sized to engage a vehicle handlebar. In operation, the fingers are engaged with a vehicle, and the handle used to pull the vehicle by its handlebar. The position of the fingers along the arm and the angle of the fingers relative to the arm is adjustable, which allows the tow bar to be quickly and easily adapted to different handlebar designs. Padding may be centrally installed on the handlebar, and the fingers spaced so as to engage the handlebar on either side of the padding, thus keeping the tow bar centrally disposed on the handlebar.
US08292316B2

A set of angle-adjusting head parts includes upper and lower head parts respectively mounted on top and bottom ends of a bicycle's head tube holding a front fork stem. The upper head parts include an upper bearing cup having an axially extending oval slot and two retaining surfaces arranged parallelly with the major axis of the oval slot at laterals, an upper bearing having an eccentric slot for receiving the front fork stem and an eccentric seat for engaging into the oval slot, and an adjusting washer mounted in the upper bearing cup and movable along the minor axis of the oval slot and having a circular opening for receiving the upper bearing. Rotating the upper bearing forces the eccentric seat to stop against the retaining surfaces and synchronously move the adjusting washer along the major axis of the oval slot, thereby biasing the angle of the front fork stem.
US08292311B2

A skateboard truck includes a hanger and a truck plate. The hanger includes a yoke with a first yoke portion and a second yoke portion. The truck plate includes a first connection portion slideably connected to the first yoke portion through a shock absorber. The truck plate also includes a second connection portion connected to the second yoke portion through a connecting bar. The connecting bar is rotatably connected to the truck plate.
US08292303B2

A manifold gasket assembly includes a steel carrier fabricated with a plurality of air intake openings. Rubber material is molded to the carrier body to provide a seal about the openings when the gasket assembly is clamped between a cylinder head and intake manifold. Pushrod guides are provided on the carrier body and are fabricated of a material different than that of the carrier body, namely the same material as that used to form the elastomeric sealing beads.
US08292302B2

A mounting guard ring for a sealing ring with at least one sealing lip, surrounding a sleeve-shaped protective ring with a supporting surface for the sealing lip disposed at the outer periphery and a holding device shaped as a grip, the protective ring being provided in at least one peripheral region with a first predetermined breaking site and being capable of being severed along the first predetermined breaking site by pulling on the holding device, the protective ring being closed off in sealing manner by a disk-shaped lid.
US08292300B2

An upper bar and a lower bar are parallel with respect to each other and are separated by a distance. A slanted bar, vertical bar, and side bar form a triangular frame with one end of the slanted bar and one end of the vertical bar connected to one end of the upper bar. The opposing end of the vertical bar is releasably connected to one end of the side bar while the opposing end of the side bar is connected to the lower bar. Another slanted bar, vertical bar, and side bar are similarly connected at the other end of the upper and lower bars. The upper bar, lower bar, and two slanted bars include releasably connected tubular members. And both ends of the slanted bars are connected with rotatable joints. Netting may be woven onto the upper bar, the lower bar, the vertical bars, and the side bars.
US08292299B1

A method of playing a card game with bonus wagering comprising the steps of establishing a card hand ranking for each combination of cards, assigning bonus wagering payouts for one or more hands, players placing bets on game play against a dealer and on being dealt a specific hand or hands, dealing cards and evaluating hands to determine losing, tying, and winning players for each wagering aspect of the game, and payout of winnings to each winning player.
US08292290B2

A feeding device includes a body having a sheet placement surface on which a sheet that is to be fed is placed; a cover rotatably provided at the body and supporting a back edge portion in a feeding direction of the sheet placed on the sheet placement surface when the cover is open; a moving member provided at the sheet placement surface so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the feeding direction; a linking member extending in a movement direction of the moving member from the moving member, one end portion thereof being rotatably linked to the moving member using a rotary shaft that is parallel to a rotary shaft of the cover; and a sheet back-edge regulating member provided at the linking member so as to be movable in the movement direction, and regulating a back edge in the feeding direction of the sheet.
US08292288B2

A drive switching mechanism includes a transmission gear and a planetary gear configured to transmit a drive from an input gear to an output gear. The drive switching mechanism further includes a swinging member configured to hold the planetary gear such that the planetary gear can swing around the input gear, a retaining unit configured to retain the swinging member in a swing enabled or disabled state, and a releasing unit configured to disengage the planetary gear from the output gear and cause them to be spaced apart. The output gear includes a toothless part that does not engage with a gear section engaging with the transmission gear.
US08292286B2

An image recording apparatus including: (i) a first controlling portion configured to intermittently convey a following sheet at a second velocity together with intermittent conveyance of a preceding sheet at a first velocity higher than the second velocity; (ii) a predicting portion configured to predict one of the successive intermittent conveyances of the following sheet which is performed together with one of the successive intermittent conveyances of the preceding sheet which causes the trailing end of the preceding sheet to pass a reference position; and (iii) a second controlling portion configured to inhibit the predicted one of the successive intermittent conveyances of the following sheet, and configured to convey the following sheet at a third conveying velocity higher than the second conveying velocity, from a point of time at which the trailing end of the preceding sheet passes the reference position, such that conveyance of the following sheet at the third conveying velocity is stopped without a leading end of the following sheet being brought into contact with the trailing end of the preceding sheet.
US08292284B2

A printing system which is capable of performing square back processing and preventing occurrence of a new trouble of inadvertently creating a saddle-stitched brochure defective in the appearance of a trimmed edge and/or print appearance, which is unexpected by an operator. A receiving unit receives a job of a first type for creating a saddle-stitched brochure subjected to square back processing and trimming processing or a second type creating a saddle-stitched brochure not subjected to the square back processing but subjected to the trimming processing. A controller controls a trimming position at an end of the sheet bundle for the job and/or an image printing position on a sheet included in the sheet bundle based on whether a job to be processed is of the first type or of the second type.
US08292280B2

A clamp rod (5) is vertically movably inserted into a housing (3), and a detection hole (58) is formed in a lower end wall (3b) of the housing (3), substantially concentrically with an axis of the clamp rod (5). An inlet hole (71, 72) for supplying compressed air is opened in a peripheral surface of the detection hole (58). Into the detection hole (58), a detection member (62) is fitted vertically movably, the detection member (62) having a closing surface (68) which closes an opening portion (71a, 72a) of the inlet hole (71, 72), and a recessed portion (69) through which the opening portion (71a, 72a) is communicatively connected to outside air. The detection member (62) is connected to a downward projecting portion (5a) of the clamp rod (5). The detection member (62) is urged by an elastic member (91) toward the opening portion (71a, 72a).
US08292279B2

The present disclosure provides a clamp including a base with a holding surface, a first movable element, a second movable element opposite to the first movable element, and a third movable element with two arms opposite to each other. The first, the second, and the third movable elements are mounted on the holding surface of the base, and are slidable relative to the holding surface. Each arm defines a slope face the slope of the other arm. The first and the second movable elements are located between the two arms. The first movable element is resisted one of slope, and the second movable element is resisted the other of the slope. When the third movable element moves, the two slopes move relative to the first and the second movable elements, and the first and the second movable elements move toward or away from each other.
US08292264B2

In a valve system or method, an actuator is provided with an actuating rod. A valve is actuated by the rod and has a valve stem and a valve member secured thereto. A travel limiting device defines a travel limit of the actuating rod. A setting mechanism sets the travel limit. The actuating rod and valve stem are decouplable from each other. The setting mechanism comprises a connector for coupling the actuating rod and the valve stem, the connector being designed to set an axial spacing between the actuating rod and the valve stem.
US08292250B2

A conductor system includes a music stand and at least one support rack. The music stand and the support rack can be used independently, but can provide additional stability when coupled to each other. The podium and the rack can be positioned to accommodate the preferences of a user, including by height, radial, lateral, and pitch/tilt adjustments. The support rack is adapted to receive any number of user instruments, such as, for example, a laptop or an electronic keyboard. The podium and the rack can be transported without being lifted completely off the support surface.
US08292247B2

A cable anchor utilizes a spring assembly to reduce tensile stresses on a cable over a wide range of tensile forces. Some examples utilize a plurality of springs, with each spring sequentially acting to reduce tensile stresses on the cable as the tensile force increases. Other examples utilize a reel that permits movement of the cable through rotation of the reel to further reduce stress on the cable.
US08292234B2

A system operates to guide an aircraft to or along a route designed to maintain the aircraft within a safe glide distance of an acceptable —radar or radio coverage—area. The system uses a database of —radar or radio coverage—areas with glide characteristics of an aircraft to determine a route that minimizes travel time or other specified parameter, while keeping the aircraft within a safe glide distance of a —radar or radio coverage—area in the database meeting the —radar or radio coverage—requirements for the aircraft.
US08292231B2

An apparatus for releasing a parachute from its payload upon ground impact by the payload. The apparatus has a pair of sections releasably secured to each other. Each section has an intermediate portion having a longitudinally extending axis and a spur receiving opening that extends through the intermediate portion and is transverse to the longitudinally extending axis, a first end portion attached to the intermediate portion and comprising a spur that extends in a generally lateral direction with respect to the longitudinally extending axis, and a second end portion attached to the intermediate portion such that the intermediate portion is between the first and second end portions. Each section is configured so that a lanyard can be connected to the section wherein in order to use the apparatus, a lanyard is attached to and between one section and a parachute, and another lanyard is attached to and between the other section and a payload.
US08292229B2

An aircraft capable of hovering, and having a fuselage defining an access opening; driving means for operating a rescue cradle; and a first wall movable between a closed position engaging a first portion of the opening, and a first open position allowing access to the first portion of the opening. The aircraft has a member connected functionally to the first wall and in turn having at least one flat surface; and the member is movable with respect to the wall into a first position, in which the flat surface defines a supporting surface for the cradle when the first wall is in the first open position.
US08292227B2

The structural strength of an aircraft wing is continuously tailored along its length to closely match continuously varying imposed wing loads. The wing includes upper and lower skins each formed from panels joined together. Each of the skin panels includes a stiffening web sandwiched between and joined to the inner and outer facesheets. The web has a repeating pattern and at least one dimension that continuously varies along the length of the panel.
US08292220B1

The invention is a flying wing aircraft having a forward fuselage; an aft fuselage segment; a propulsion segments adapted to mate to the fuselage segments; a pair of wing segments adapted to mate with the propulsion segments. The invention further includes a center section adapted to fit between the forward and aft fuselage sections; the center section adapted to receive multiple compartment systems.
US08292216B1

A method and apparatus may be present for moving a wing. A plurality of lifting assemblies may be attached to a first plurality of channels in a ring associated with the wing of an aircraft. A plurality of base assemblies may be attached to a plurality of fittings with a second plurality of channels associated with a fuselage of the aircraft. The plurality of lifting assemblies may be moved away from the plurality of base assemblies using a plurality of biasing systems such that the ring may move away from the fuselage.
US08292215B2

A rotary wing aircraft apparatus includes a body and a rotor pair connected to the body by an arm. The rotor pair has an upper rotor driven by an upper motor and rotating about an upper rotor axis and a lower rotor driven by a lower motor and rotating about a lower rotor axis. The upper and lower rotor axes are tilted with respect to each other. Tilting the axes away from the arm increases the distance from the rotor blades to the arm, and decreases the risk of the blades of the rotor contacting the arm. In an aircraft with a plurality of arms extending from the body, and a rotor assembly connected to each arm, the arms can be pivoted from a flying position, where the arms extend laterally outward to a folded position where the arms are positioned substantially parallel and adjacent to each other.
US08292213B2

A transport device for transporting a roll-shaped recording medium includes: a pair of roll retainers that are attached to both sides of a roll portion of the roll-shaped recording medium; a pair of spindles that are engaged with the roll retainers to support the roll portion; a transport roller that transports the roll-shaped recording medium drawn out from the roll portion while pinching the roll-shaped recording medium; and a positioning mechanism that rotates the roll portion supported by the spindles in a direction in which tension is applied to the drawn roll-shaped recording medium to move the roll portion to one side in a longitudinal direction such that a reference edge of the roll-shaped recording medium comes into contact with a reference position, thereby positioning the reference edge of the roll-shaped recording medium.
US08292209B2

An operating load of an overload releasing mechanism is made to be high by a simple method. In a webbing retractor, spring claws engage with recesses of a rotor, and a gear wheel and the rotor are connected. When relative rotational force is applied between the rotor and the gear wheel, the spring claws elastically deform and engagement thereof with the recesses is released. Due thereto, connection of the rotor and the gear wheel is released, and the overload releasing mechanism is operated. Here, urging members urge the spring claws toward a side of engaging with the recesses. Due thereto, the operating load of the overload releasing mechanism can be made to be high by a simple method of merely adding the urging members.
US08292207B2

In the coarse and fine grinding of mineral and non-mineral materials, e.g. limestone, cement clinker, blast-furnace slag, old concrete or ashes, the grinding material, usually including new and recirculated stock, is fed as a defined and laterally bounded material layer (4) of predetermined thickness from a material feed container (3), belonging to the comminuting apparatus, by way of a roller-type or rotary-vane feeder (9), which is arranged at the outlet and can be changed in a stepless manner in respect of its rotational speed, onto the vertex of the laterally rimmed (45), driven, bottom roller (1), accelerated to the roller speed and transported continuously into the gap formed (5) with the upper roller (2), arranged in an offset manner above the driven roller (1), is subjected to hydropneumatic loading using specific compressive forces of 2 to 7.5 kN/mm and is then deagglomerated within the comminuting apparatus by a preferably high-speed rotary crusher (10). This results in good utilization of energy and in low mechanical structural, servicing and maintenance outlay. Usage over a wide spectrum for comminuting different materials is made possible, and linear throughput and speed behavior both in partial-load operation and with high mass throughputs can be realized.
US08292196B2

Methods and devices include having a container (1) for holding a liquid with a viscosity μ, and a porous wick (5) with an average pore size of at least about 4 microns to about 50 microns and a porosity ε between about 0.20 to about 0.75, and having a length L and a total exposed surface area A exposed to the ambient air. The viscosity of the liquid and the dimensions of the wick are such that a quantity A/μL is in a range of about 4×10−4 to about 18 cm/poise.
US08292191B2

A system and method are presented for managing the supply of energy to heating and cooling devices to reduce the thermal flux and overshoot in buildings having heating and cooling devices that are sized for extreme temperature demands, but which operate inefficiently for moderate conditions. The system interposes a control module between sensor devices and heating or cooling devices, to filter the signals from the sensor devices calling for heating or cooling according to one or more on/off routines. The control module defers the sending of signals activating or deactivating heating or cooling devices, thus allowing for moderating of ambient conditions between the initial demand from the sensor devices and the supply of heating or cooling by the heating or cooling devices.
US08292188B2

The present invention provides an electronic circuit which comprises a circuit line and a terminal portion connected to the circuit line, wherein the terminal portion has a folding endurance structure at a junction where the terminal portion is connected to the circuit line and the folding endurance structure of the terminal portion has a plane width gradually-increasing portion, in which the width of the terminal portion in plane view increases continuously or intermittently as the folding endurance structure of the terminal portion becomes away from the junction where the terminal portion is connected to the circuit line. The electronic circuit and an IC tag incorporating the electronic circuit of the present invention are excellent in folding endurance property, and can have an electronic circuit which is hard to break even if the electronic circuit is folded.
US08292187B2

A method of operating a shaker including: disposing a shaker screen in a shaker, wherein the shaker screen includes at least one tag selected from the group consisting of a radio frequency identification tag and a surface acoustic wave tag; reading shaker screen information from the at least one tag; and adjusting at least one shaker variable using the shaker screen information. In another aspect, embodiments relate to a shaker screen including: a filtering element disposed on a frame; wherein the frame includes: at least one outer frame member; at least one cross member; and at least one tag selected from the group consisting of a radio frequency identification tag and a surface acoustic wave tag; wherein at least a portion of the tag is integral with at least one of an outer frame member and a cross member. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a shaker screen having an integral tag.
US08292175B2

Embodiments relate to a tag device, a reader device, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The Q embodiment provides a tag device comprising: a reception module converting a received high frequency signal into a scale level, and Q converting the converted scale level into a digital signal to output the same; a transmission module modulating a transmission signal M to output the same; and a controller controlling the reception module and the transmission module. The tag device communicates with the reader device through wireless short distance communication.
US08292174B2

Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for tracking a medical device. Systems configured for such tracking may include the capability to either or both detect tampering with the medical device and to effectively expose an encapsulated medical device to sterilization substances and associate the medical device with an identifying characteristic.
US08292156B2

The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus, and the application of variable compression to tissue. More specifically, the presently disclosed surgical fastener applying apparatus including a first jaw having proximal and distal ends and including an anvil member, the anvil member extending along a longitudinal axis and including a tissue contacting surface and a second jaw having proximal and distal ends movably coupled to the first jaw, the second jaw including a cartridge member and a channel. The surgical fastener applying apparatus further includes a pair of elastic members positioned between the cartridge member and the channel of the second jaw, the pair of elastic members configured and dimensioned to apply and maintain constant compressive forces to tissue regardless of tissue thickness.
US08292153B2

Surgical stapling apparatus are disclosed including an anvil having a working surface with a shaped topography; and a staple cartridge, in juxtaposition with the anvil. The staple cartridge includes a working surface with shaped topography which is complementary to the shaped topography of the working surface of the shaped anvil. When the anvil and the staple cartridge are approximated with or toward one another, at least a portion of the working surface of the anvil cooperates with at least a portion of the working surface of the staple cartridge to enhance alignment of the staple cartridge and the anvil in at least one of a transverse and longitudinal direction.
US08292148B2

There is provided a surgical instrument incorporating driving force mechanisms capable of transmitting a driving force through an articulated section of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, a series of racks connect with a transfer gear to pass forces around the articulated section. In an alternative embodiment a series of cable sections and wheels or pulleys are provided to transmit a driving force through the articulated section of the surgical instrument.
US08292147B2

An articulation mechanism for use with a surgical instrument includes a shaft, a first member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the articulation shaft, a second member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shaft, and a flexible shaft having proximal and distal portions. The flexible member is operatively coupled to the first and second members. Upon rotation of the articulation shaft, at least one of the first and the second members moves longitudinally with respect to the other of the first and second members between a first position where the first and second members are approximated to each other and a second position where the first and second members are spaced apart from each other. This longitudinal motion causes the distal portion of the flexible member to articulate relative to the proximal portion.
US08292146B2

A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
US08292141B2

A pane is separated from a moving ribbon of brittle material by restraining the ribbon upstream of a score line prior to separating the pane. The ribbon is restrained by selectively contacting a first side and a second side of the ribbon in one of an opposite, overlapping or offset relation. The ribbon can be restrained prior to, substantially simultaneous with or subsequent to forming the score line. The restrained status of the ribbon is maintained during and immediately after separation of the pane from the ribbon, thereby reducing the introduction of a disturbance or bending moment into the upstream ribbon.
US08292134B2

A multifunction clothes hanger includes a main body, a hook, an annular member and two clothes hangers. A protrusion of a cylindrical body of each clothes hanger enters a T-shaped through-groove at the bottom of the main body and moves into a transverse portion of the T-shaped through-groove to enter left and right through-holes of the main body. The protrusion is engaged with grooves disposed on the inner sides of the left and right through-holes, respectively. Furthermore, the hook is inserted into a straight through-hole at the upper portion of the main body until the threaded bottom with a thread thereon reaches the bottom of the main body to engage with a screw nut of the annular member. Another space-saving multifunction clothes hanger further includes a fixing base, upper and lower arms, two grooves, left and right baffles and two screw holes.
US08292133B2

A vented closure assembly for a container, the container including a raised outlet defining a dispensing opening, includes a closure body having a nestable and extendable spout formed with a generally cylindrical section, a frustoconical section, and a transition region, including an invertible fold, located between these two sections. The generally cylindrical section defines an outlet opening and a threaded closing cap is assembled to the generally cylindrical section for closing off the outlet opening. A retainer is used for connecting the closure body to the raised outlet wall and the spout includes a thicker wall portion for enabling the closure body to maintain a selected orientation. A plurality of venting ears are used to help provide the venting capability.
US08292130B2

A fluid dispenser pump (10) including a pump body (11) and a piston (20) that slides in leaktight manner in the pump body (11) between a rest position and an actuated position. The piston (20) is secured to an actuator rod (30) that extends axially out from the pump body (11). A ferrule (40) is mounted on the top edge (12) of the pump body (11), the ferrule (40) defining the rest position of the piston (20). The ferrule (40) co-operates in leaktight manner with the actuator rod (30) while the actuator rod (30) moves between the rest position and an intermediate position, and the ferrule (40) co-operates in non-leaktight manner with the actuator rod (30) while the actuator rod (30) moving between the intermediate position and the actuated position, so as to make it possible to vent the pump (10).
US08292127B2

A foam dispensing device uses a single actuator to actuate two concentric pistons, one for an air chamber and one for a telescopically oriented liquid chamber. In all of the various embodiments the liquid chamber stops its actuation first and can continue to move along with the single actuator and the air chamber continues to dispense air. The air and liquids are dispensed into foaming chamber and then dispensed. The liquid chamber can continue to move because the liquid chamber is attached to the pump system by a deformable connector or some form. This arrangement allows for a foaming device that uses just one actuator that has the ability to dispense foam in the first phase and just air to clear out the nozzle effectively in the second phase.
US08292124B2

A discharge device for a housing, an actuation handle, a transport device for transporting a liquid medium through a discharge opening, and a blocking device to restrict movement of the handle relative to the housing.The blocking device comprises at least one ratchet that can be moved wherein it does not hinder the movement of the actuation handle wherein it restricts the movement of the actuation handle relative to the housing, at least one blocking handle movable in response to application of force, and at least one thrust member through which the blocking handle is operably coupled to the ratchet, whereby the thrust member is connected to the blocking handle and to the ratchet such that the application of force enables the ratchet to be moved.
US08292118B2

A plate that provides a handle area, a food-contact area, a transition area between the handle and food-contact areas, a cup hole, and first and second thumb holes adjacent to the cup hole. The cup hole of the plate, as well as the first and second thumb holes, are located within the handle area at different elevations from an elevation of the food-contact area of the plate.
US08292110B2

Dual-mode container assemblies (30, 110) are provided which include an open-top container (32, 112) with a closure assembly (34, 114) having a skirt (36, 116) and a reversible lid (38, 118) presenting first and second opposed faces (82, 84, 160, 162) hingedly coupled to the skirt (36, 116). In the child-resistant configuration of the assemblies (30, 110), the lid (38, 118) is latched to the skirt (36, 116) by a latching arrangement (60, 100, 136, 177). In order to convert the container assemblies (30, 110) to an adult configuration, the lid (38, 118) is opened and rotated 180° while the lid (38, 118) remains connected to the skirt (36, 116). This reverses the lid face adjacent the open top of the container (32, 112). Closure of the reversed lid (38, 118) occurs without any latching function between the skirt (36, 116) and the lid (38, 118), so that the lid (38, 118) can be readily opened. The connection between the lid (38, 118) and skirt (36, 116) can be effected by hinged connection of rear segment (64) and rotational coupling of a forward reversible body (75), or by a ball joint connection between a ball (170) and ball mount (150). In either case, the lid (38, 118) is moveable about respective transverse axes to permit changeover between the child-resistant and adult configurations of the container assemblies (30, 110).
US08292104B2

A safety bottle cap for preventing damage from anti-burglary tearing flanges has an opening, a cover and a two-layer tear ring between the opening and the aperture on the cover. A lower stop flange is protruded on the lower section of the opening. An upper stop flange is located at a spacing with the lower stop flange. A hooking edge is protruded on the inner side of the aperture. The tear ring has upper and lower rings, ribs arranged to link the rings, an outward flange protruded on exterior of the upper ring, an upper abutting edge protruded on the inner side of the upper ring and a lower abutting edge protruded on the inner side of the lower ring. The safety bottle cap allows the cover to be opened smoothly without spurs on the aperture, thus realizing anti-burglary identification and improving protection against mouth injury.
US08292085B2

A solids separation system and methods for use; the system having a barrel rotatably mounted in a substantially horizontal arrangement, a carriage on which the barrel is mounted and inclined so as to elevate the coal exit end of the barrel in relation to the rock exit end, a motor to rotate the barrel, a blower, a blower motor, a blade affixed to and helically wound along the interior surface of said barrel, and barriers between the turns of the blades to force the contents up into a stream of air supplied by a blower.
US08292079B2

A semiconductor chip holding tray, includes: a base substrate; a first projection provided on the front surface of the base substrate, and disposed on a short edge side of the perimeter of a holding area, has a depression; a first raised portion provided on the front surface, and is disposed on a long edge side of the perimeter; a triangular cross-section second projection provided on the rear surface of the base substrate, and is disposed on a short edge side of the perimeter of a holding area; and a second raised portion provided on the rear surface, and is disposed on a long edge side of the perimeter of the holding area. The tray is arranged such that when two trays are stacked the second projection is fitted in the depression of the first projection.
US08292075B2

A housing for accommodating a dental implant is disclosed. The housing comprises a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body has an open end and a pivot end opposite to the open end. The open end is adapted to receive the dental implant. The housing further comprises a pivot element which connects with the first body portion and the second body portion at the pivot ends thereof. The first body portion and the second body portion define an inner space and the second body portion is capable of rotating with respect to the first body portion along the pivot to expose the open end.
US08292068B2

The present disclosure provides a package for a medical device containing a cavity for receiving the medical device, a first closure having a sealed portal therein and a second closure adjacent the first closure.
US08292066B2

An embroidery thread organizing card including a thread organizing structure having a front panel and a back panel, a barcode provided on a front side of the front panel near one corner thereof for material management, and instruction information provided on a rear side of the back panel showing things to be noted during embroidering, a plurality of information zones provided on the front side of the front panel, and a plurality of embroidery thread groups having a number and a location corresponding to that of the information zones and being clamped at an end to the thread organizing structure. Each of the information zones shows a thread color sample and information related to the use of the corresponding embroidery thread group. A user picking a thread for embroidery can at the same time obtain information related to the picked thread, so as to avoid using a wrong thread and to embroider efficiently.
US08292055B2

In transmissions having input clutches, a lever arm configured as a second class lever is pivoted at one end, applies force to a clutch bearing near its middle and is acted upon by a linear actuator at its opposite end. The present invention relates to mechanisms for adjusting the location of the pivot to compensate for clutch wear. The fixed pivot is replaced by a linear one way clutch mechanism. As the clutch facing wears and the clutch is activated, an extension of the actuating lever arm abuts a stationary stop beyond the one way clutch pivot which translates the pivot point provided by the one way clutch mechanism toward the clutch to reduce pre-travel and compensate for clutch facing wear. Hydraulic and spring biasing of the pivot point are also disclosed.
US08292054B2

A double clutch may include an input shaft, a first output shaft disposed coaxially with the input shaft, a second output shaft enclosing the first output shaft and disposed coaxially with the first output shaft, a first clutch pack disposed between the first output shaft and the input shaft, a second clutch pack disposed between the second output shaft and the input shaft, an electromagnet disposed between the first clutch pack and the second clutch pack, a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet disposed such that the same poles of the first and second permanent magnets face the electromagnet at both sides of the electromagnet, a first ball ramp operating to press the first clutch pack, as the first permanent magnet moves toward the electromagnet, and a second ball ramp operating to press the second clutch pack, as the second permanent magnet moves toward the electromagnet.
US08292052B2

A contactless power transfer system for a mobile asset is presented. The system includes a primary loop disposed adjacent to a location that is coupled to a power source. A secondary receiving coil is disposed on the mobile asset and coupled to a traction motor for receiving power from the primary loop. The power transfer system further includes a field-focusing element that can focus a magnetic field from the primary loop onto the secondary receiving coil, the field-focusing element having a non-linear current distribution.
US08292051B2

A valve intended to disconnect, in specific circumstances, the braking of the front wheels, and/or of a trailer whose braking system is connected through a trailer braking valve, for the braking system of a farm tractor or similar vehicle which includes two master cylinders, operated by two separate braking pedals, directly controlling the braking of the rear wheels, and controlling the braking of the front wheels and/or the braking device of the trailer through the disconnection valve. The disconnection valve includes a body, first and second inlet connections connected to the two master cylinders, and a delivery connection connected to a braking circuit of the front wheels and/or to the trailer brake valve. The valve body has a bore wherein is installed one movable piston subjected to the action of pressure applied to the first inlet connection.
US08292041B1

A friction brake which is suitable for applying friction to one or more load-bearing ropes in the implementation of arbor rigging or other procedures in some embodiments includes a tree engaging frame, a frame attachment mechanism carried by the tree engaging frame, a shaft receptacle carried by the tree engaging frame, an assembly mount shaft releasably inserted in the shaft receptacle and a rope engaging frame carried by the assembly mount shaft.
US08292039B2

A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes at least one lifting rope connected between the work platform and the mast via an idler roller and a hoist drum connected to the work platform. The idler roller is displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position based on an amount of tension on the lifting rope. A spring is connected to the idler roller and urges the idler roller toward the engaged position. A carriage latch assembly includes a carriage latch hook coupled with the idler roller and a pin secured to the mast. When the idler roller is disposed in the engaged position, the carriage latch hook is engageable with the pin.
US08292036B2

In an oil suction system for drawing up oil stored in an oil reservoir through a strainer, the oil reservoir is constructed such that, when the liquid surface of the oil is inclined due to movement of the stored oil, the level of the liquid surface close to the suction port varies in accordance with a plurality of directions of inclination of the liquid surface, and the level of the liquid surface close to the suction port is lower in a particular direction as one of the directions of inclination of the liquid surface than those in the other directions of inclination, and an inflow resistance portion is provided at a lowered liquid-level side of the suction port on which the liquid level is lowered when the oil surface is inclined in the particular direction, for increasing the resistance to flow of the oil from the lowered liquid-level side toward the suction port, to be larger than the resistance to flow of the oil from a raised liquid-level side of the suction port on which the liquid level is raised due to inclination in the particular direction, toward the suction port.
US08292034B2

The present invention provides an air-oil separator comprising a first region having a mixture of air and oil, a second region wherein separation of at least some of the oil from the air-oil mixture occurs and at least one multi-directional injector plug located on a rotating component in flow communication with the first region and the second region, the multi-directional injector plug having a discharge head that is oriented such that at least a part of the air-oil mixture discharged therefrom has a component of velocity that is tangential to the direction of rotation of the rotating component.
US08292030B2

An anchoring device, system and method. The anchoring device, system and method can include one or more rolling hook devices designed to couple or be secured to a projection such as those associated with rooftops. The rolling hook devices can include an arched member and any number of wheels to facilitate positioning. The rolling hook device may further be coupled to one or more tethers that allow it to serve as an anchor or work in conjunction with any number of other devices that function together as an anchoring system.
US08292027B2

This invention is directed to a composite laminate comprising in order (a) a flame retardant polymeric moisture barrier (b) an inorganic platelet layer and (c) a flame retardant thermoplastic film layer The invention is also directed to a thermal insulation and acoustic blanket comprising a core of fibrous material or foam surrounded by the above composite laminate wherein the thermoplastic film layer of the composite laminate contacts and encapsulates the core.
US08292017B2

A silencer for a motorcycle has a front cup which has a tapered tubular shape, a center sleeve which is connected to the front cup, and a tail cup which is connected to the center sleeve. Since the front cup has a tapered tubular shape, the front cup is arranged such that a front end of the front cup is positioned in the vicinity of a main frame. A distal end of the silencer can be shifted frontward in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle compared to a silencer of a prior art. As a result, a length of the silencer can be increased while avoiding interference between the silencer and legs of a rider and hence, silencing performance of the silencer can be enhanced. Since the distal end of the silencer can be shifted frontward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the concentration of a mass can be acquired.
US08292014B2

A grille device for a vehicle includes an adjustment member provided to be movable between a block position and a permission position for blocking and permitting intake of air into a radiator, respectively; a motor which moves the adjustment member; a battery for the motor; an electric generator which generates electric power for the battery; a motor controller which moves the adjustment member; and a grille controller which performs a first control for adjusting an air intake amount into the radiator and a second control for compulsorily moving the adjustment member to the permission position. The grille controller stops the first control and performs the second control when an output voltage of the battery becomes a voltage value outside a predetermined range and otherwise when an amount of power generation by the electric generator becomes smaller than a set minimum amount of power generation.
US08292011B2

A vehicle with hybrid drive having: a thermal engine provided with a drive shaft and having a block which houses the drive shaft and two heads which house the cylinders and are arranged in a “V” configuration; a cooling system provided with a hydraulic circuit in which a cooling fluid flows; a reversible electric machine placed above the block of the thermal engine and between the two heads; an auxiliary device; a mechanical transmission which connects the first electric machine, the auxiliary device and the drive shaft of the thermal engine to one another; and a freewheel interposed between the first mechanical transmission and the drive shaft of the thermal engine; the hydraulic circuit of the cooling system has a main branch which cools the thermal engine, and a secondary branch which is connected as an offtake to the main branch and cools the first electric machine; the secondary branch is connected as an offtake to the main branch by an inlet pipe and by an outlet pipe, which extend downwards from a lower wall of the electric machine to corresponding openings obtained through the block of the thermal engine.
US08291997B2

Embodiments of the invention provide an innovative arrangement to control the height of ground engaging tools located on agricultural implements via gauge wheel assemblies, particularly for supporting and adjusting the height of winged extensions of the implement frame. The gauge wheel assemblies may provide an adjustment assembly in the form of a screw jack, which can be coupled to a support bracket that is attached to the implement frame and also coupled to a support tube that is coupled to a gauge wheel via pivot assembly and a bracket. The bracket and support tube may be coupled at discrete positions according to the height adjustment of the screw jack via pins and holes in the bracket and tube. When coupled, the pins and holes of the support bracket and tube may reduce the load of the winged extensions on the screw jack mechanism.
US08291993B2

A soil stabilizer for treating ground surface includes a stabilizer frame, a rotor rotatably mounted thereon, the rotor being movable such that the rotor may engage various depths of earth, a rotatable axle, and a track apparatus mounted on the rotatable axle, the track apparatus supporting the stabilizer frame and providing for movement of the stabilizer frame and rotor across the ground surface. The track apparatus may include a continuous flexible track having an upper length and a ground-engaging lower length and including an inner surface, an axle wheel mountable to the rotatable axle for rotational movement therewith, the axle wheel engaging the inner surface of the flexible track along the upper length to drive the flexible track in response to rotation of the axle, and a track apparatus frame for mounting the axle wheel.
US08291983B2

An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly comprises an integrated sub-assembly encased within a shroud. The integrated sub-assembly comprises a well fluid intake having a shroud hanger formed in an upper portion thereof, a seal section having a motor head formed in a lower portion thereof, and an electrical conduit extending between the shroud hanger and the motor head. The intake has a plurality of fluid entry slots positioned a select distance from the shroud hanger in order to minimize the space for the accumulation of gas within the shroud. The electrical conduit sealingly extends through the shroud hanger to a receptacle located on an upper portion thereof. Conductors are encased within the conduit and are connected between the receptacle and the motor head. The conduit prevents the conductors from being affected by reservoir fluid and pressures.
US08291982B2

A completion tubular is placed in position adjacent the zone or zones to be fractured and produced. It features preferably sliding sleeve valves that can assume at least two configurations: wide open and open with a screen material juxtaposed in the flow passage. In a preferred embodiment the valve assembly has three positions, adding a fully closed position to the other two mentioned. After run in, the valves can be put in the wide open position in any order desired to fracture. After fracturing, the valves can be closed or selectively be put in filtration position for production from the fractured zones in any desired order. Various ways are described to actuate the valves. The tubular can have telescoping pistons through which the fracturing can take place if the application calls for a cemented tubular.
US08291977B2

A method of severing a well string that extends into an oil well from an oil platform with a deck includes supporting upper and lower sections of the well string, the lower section supported at the platform deck with a deck located string support. A shear mechanism cuts the well string at a position that can be above the deck located string support. The upper section is then lifted a selected distance and the deck located string support again supports the string at a position below the cut.
US08291973B2

A variable offset joint is provided for downhole tools, including a first downhole member, a second downhole member, and at least one intermediate element pivotally coupled at a first end to the first downhole member and at a second end to the second downhole member. The variable offset joint further includes a coupler member adapted to maintain a predetermined lateral offset between the first and second downhole members. The coupler member further includes a zone of weakness adapted to fracture when a tensile force applied thereto exceeds a predetermined threshold. In one example, a plurality of intermediate elements are each pivotally coupled to the first and second downhole members. In another example, the coupler member extends between at least two of the plurality of intermediate elements. In another example, adjusting a length of the coupler member selectively adjusts the predetermined lateral offset.
US08291969B2

A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.
US08291962B2

A fabric receiving element for a blind assembly, the fabric receiving element having at least two axially extending slots, each slot defining an opening for receiving blind material, the openings being of different respective widths, the slots including a floor opposite the openings, and wherein the middle portion of the floor of the slot is at a greater distance from the opening than the end portions of the floor of the slot.
US08291957B2

A transporter for dry film laminator includes a base, a film guider mounted in the base, and a film leveler mounted on the base. The base has a platform disposed thereon. The base has two film extending rollers respectively disposed on two ends thereof. The base has two guiding rails disposed on two sides thereof. The film leveler has two ends respectively mounted on the two guiding rails. The film guider is provided for transporting the dry film to the platform.
US08291956B2

A bonding apparatus for bonding a first substrate and a second substrate includes a base body, a first stripping device, a second stripping device, at least two vacuum bonding devices, and a loading mechanism. The first stripping device removes a film from the first substrate, and the second stripping device removes a film from the second substrate. The at least two vacuum bonding devices are arranged on the base body and aligned with each other. The loading mechanism includes a slide-rail on the base body and an adjustment assembly slidably connected to the slide-rail. The loading mechanism transfers a first substrate and a second substrate into one vacuum bonding device, and then, sliding on the slider, transfers another first substrate and another second substrate to another vacuum bonding device.
US08291955B2

Disclosed is an apparatus of manufacturing a pipe-shaped insulator, wherein a thin fiberglass mat is coated, at a surface thereof, with a binder (adhesive) and is press-wound on a forming roller, so as to manufacture a pipe-shaped insulator having a predetermined thickness and a predetermined diameter. The apparatus includes a mat feeding roller, a plurality of fiberglass mat transportation rollers, a coating roller to coat a binder over a surface of the fiberglass mat, a forming roller on which the fiberglass mat, coated with the binder, is wound in plural times to form a pipe-shaped insulator, a squeeze roller disposed parallel to the forming roller, a pressure regulator to press the fiberglass mat, an encoder to measure a transported length of the fiberglass mat, a cutting unit to diagonally cut the fiberglass mat, a control system, a sensor, and a plurality of drive motors and power transmission members.
US08291944B2

Hydrogen filling station, in particular, for refilling vehicle tanks with hydrogen gas, comprising a source reservoir designed to hold liquid hydrogen (LH2), a pipe for withdrawing liquid hydrogen from the source reservoir to at least one user station, an electric cryogenic pump arranged within the withdrawing pipe and an electric power supply connected to the cryogenic pump to supply the same with electricity, characterized in that the electric energy supply comprises at least one fuel cell.
US08291941B1

A hose which automatically expands longitudinally and automatically expands laterally upon the application of a fluid pressure is disclosed. The hose can automatically expand longitudinally up to six times its unexpanded or contracted length. Upon release of the fluid pressure within the hose, the hose will automatically contract to a contracted condition. The hose includes an inner tube made from an elastic material and an outer tube made from a non-elastic material. The inner tube is positioned concentrically within the outer tube in both a contracted condition and an expanded condition. The outer tube is secured to the inner tube only at a first end of the inner and outer tubes and at a second end of the inner and outer tubes. The outer tube moves laterally and longitudinally with respect to the inner tube when the tubes are transitioning between a contracted condition and an expanded condition.
US08291929B2

The invention concerns a dual float rollover valve for use in a vehicle fuel tank assembly. The rollover valve may include a housing having an upper portion with a top end defining a vapor passage and an opposed bottom end, and an outer wall extending between the top and bottom ends and defining a channel extending therethrough; and a lower portion having a first end engaging with the bottom end of the upper portion, an opposed second end including a vent hole therethrough, and an outer wall extending between the first end and the second end and defining a chamber therein. An inner seal may be mounted between the channel and the chamber and include a seal bore extending from the channel to the chamber, with an upper float mounted in the channel, and a lower float, mounted in the chamber, having a buoyancy relative to fuel such that it is adapted to float on the fuel and selectively seal against the seal bore.
US08291926B2

A reductant dosing system for a machine having an engine and an exhaust system is disclosed. The reductant dosing system has a tank configured to hold a reductant, a dosing arrangement, and a supply passage connecting the tank to the dosing arrangement. The reductant dosing system also has a purging arrangement configured to direct purge fluid to at least one of the dosing arrangement and the supply passage, and a valve configured to allow reductant to pass from the tank to the supply passage and to inhibit purge fluid from entering the tank.
US08291924B2

A multifunctional mobility device which enables or assists a person to walk without assistance from another person. The device provides a practical solution to address the various levels of mobility assistance between the minimal support of a cane and the maximum support of a four-legged walker. The multiple functions of the device are enabled by changing width and height, and include a one-legged, two-handed walker; a two-legged, two-handed walker; a hemi-walker; a stair-climbing aide; a standard or bariatric cane; and a device providing assistance from the sitting to standing position. The device may employ a jointed handle of sufficient width to accommodate both hands, and two legs connected to the handle that move inward or outward in unison, using the jointed handle and a compound, articulating mechanism connecting the two legs.
US08291922B2

The present invention relates to a dish washing machine, and more particularly to a dish washing machine having a structure in which a bottom surface of the dish washing machine is not wet with water. The dish washing machine includes a washing chamber (150) for washing dishes, a fan (90) for discharging air from the washing chamber (150), a housing for a space to install the fan (90), an exhaust duct (92) for guiding the air from the housing (94) to an outside of the dish washing machine, and a passage for draining water to an outside of the housing (94) whenever the water is present in the housing (94).
US08291915B2

A catheter introduces electrodes in a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of venous insufficiency by the application of energy to cause selective heating of the vein. The catheter is positioned within the vein to be treated, and the electrodes on the catheter are moved toward one side of the vein. RF energy is applied in a directional manner from the electrodes at the working end of the catheter to cause localized heating and corresponding shrinkage of the adjacent venous tissue, which may include commissures, leaflets and ostia. Fluoroscopy or ultrasound may be used to detect shrinkage of the vein. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter can be repositioned to place the electrodes to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.
US08291904B2

A gas delivery system including a gas delivery device, a control module and a gas delivery mechanism is described. An exemplary gas delivery device includes a valve assembly with a valve and circuit including a memory, a processor and a transceiver in communication with the memory. The memory may include gas data such as gas identification, gas expiration and gas concentration. The transceiver on the circuit of the valve assembly may send wireless optical line-of-sight signals to communicate the gas data to a control module. Exemplary gas delivery mechanisms include a ventilator and a breathing circuit. Methods of administering gas are also described.
US08291896B1

An outdoor oven may have a cooking chamber defined by six sides. Each of the six sides may be insulated. A front side may have a door for access to the cooking chamber. The cooking chamber may have a baffle and a cooking plane above and separated some distance from the baffle. Heat in the form of a flame may enter the cooking chamber. The baffle may prevent heat from the flame from directly contacting food on the cooking plane, may inhibit heat transfer through the baffle, and/or may direct heated air around the baffle. The heat is circulated through the cooking chamber to heat the food, and exits a vent positioned below the cooking chamber. An outdoor cooking system may include a burner, a support structure and a fuel supply.
US08291892B2

A heat exchanger suitable for cooling exhaust gases and a method of making same are disclosed. The heat exchanger includes an outer casting member having first and second ends and forming a housing and a plurality of channel members forming alternating first and second flow channels for the flow of an exhaust gas through the first flow channels and coolant through the second flow channels. The channel members form a core having first and second ends, this core being mounted in the casting member. A first flange is fixedly attached to a first end of the core so as to form a sealed joint. A second flange is fixedly attached to the second end of the core so as to form another sealed joint. The first and second flanges are each coupled by fasteners to their respective ends of the casting.
US08291886B2

A system and method for controlling the fuel flow rate in a direct metering fuel control system to compensate for actuator flow. The system includes a fuel metering pump that supplies fuel to a fluid-operated actuator and to a gas turbine engine combustor and determines, using a generated model of the fuel metering pump and/or the fluid-operated actuator, fuel flow rate needed by the gas turbine engine and/or the actuator fuel flow rate needed by the fluid-operated actuator. The fuel flow rate of the fuel metering pump is controlled based on the determined actuator fuel flow rate and the determined engine fuel flow rate.
US08291884B2

An engine having cylinders capable of combusting gaseous fuel includes at least one spark plug per cylinder, a gaseous fuel injector extending into each cylinder and having at least one nozzle cluster containing a one or more nozzles positioned to direct gaseous fuel only toward a spark gap of an associated spark plug, and a control system operating each spark plug and each injector to deliver gaseous fuel directly to the cylinder and initiate combustion. A method for controlling an engine capable of operating with gaseous fuel includes injecting the gaseous fuel directly into each cylinder through a centrally located injector having a plurality of clusters of nozzles, each cluster associated with one of at least two spark plugs positioned closer to a cylinder wall than to the injector, each cluster directing the gaseous fuel toward an associated spark plug gap.
US08291879B2

A recoil starter system. The system may include a drive member engageable with an engine, the drive member including a plate having a first spring support having a first outer surface with a first outer diameter, a pulley member rotatably coupled to the drive member and including a second spring support, the second spring support having a second outer surface with a second outer diameter, and a spring member coupled between the drive member and the pulley member, the first spring support and the second spring support cooperating to provide a radially-inner support for the spring member. The system may include a rotation limiting arrangement provided between the drive member and the pulley member, the rotation limiting arrangement including a pair of travel stops, and a rotation limiting member. The system may include a rope retention recess for receiving an end of the pull rope and a rope retention bar.
US08291873B2

This invention relates to a valve arrangement in an engine, comprising a valve with a valve plate and a stem like portion having an upper portion and lower portion, a valve control mechanism, the upper portion forms a hollow annular body extending coaxially with the extension of the stem like portion, the valve plate is connected to the lower portion to form a gap between the valve plate and the upper portion to allow for the gases to be transported past the valve plate into or out from the inside of the hollow annular body, the upper end of the annular body is open and the hollow annular body at its outer side is arranged with at least one first interacting device arranged to interact with at least one second interacting device of the valve control mechanism to facilitate movement and positioning.
US08291869B2

A method and an apparatus are provided for preventing coagulation in an exhaust pipe of a boiler is provided. The method includes operating the boiler and executing a combustion stroke, determining if an ambient air temperature measured by an ambient air temperature detecting sensor is equal to or lower than a first temperature, shifting a 3-way valve to a hot-water location if the measured ambient air temperature is equal to or lower than the first temperature, executing an extinction stroke of a burner if the temperature of space heating water reaches a second temperature, and operating a circulation pump and a blower to exchange heat in a heat exchanger and to discharge warm air through an exhaust pipe, thereby preventing coagulation in the exhaust pipe of the boiler.
US08291865B2

A method for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housing animals for an animal study, the method including providing a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratory facility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in the cage level barrier-type cages. The method can further include providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.
US08291856B2

A method and system for depositing a thin film on a substrate using a vapor deposition process is described. The processing system comprises a gas heating device for heating one or more constituents of a film forming composition. The gas heating device comprises one or more resistive heating elements configured to receive an electrical current from one or more power sources. Additionally, the gas heating device comprises a mounting structure configured to support the one or more resistive heating elements. Furthermore, the gas heating device comprises one or more static mounting devices coupled to the mounting structure and configured to fixedly couple the one or more resistive heating elements to the mounting structure, and one or more dynamic mounting devices coupled to the mounting structure and configured to automatically compensate for changes in a length of each of the one or more resistive heating elements.
US08291853B2

Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing a composite material consisting of a flexible substrate and a multilayer nanostructured PV-active film supported by the substrate. The apparatus comprises a sealable chamber, the cylindrical inner wall of which is used as a support for a flexible substrate. The chamber contains a rotating crucible having a recess in its center and flat margins. The apparatus is provided with a power laser capable of generating an annular beam focused on the aforementioned flat surface. In operation, a nanoparticle-containing colloidal solution is supplied to the crucible. During rotation, the solution moves to the flat margins where it forms a thin layer that is evaporated by means of the annular laser beam. As the solution evaporates, the nanoparticles, which remain on the surface, fly out by inertia from the edges of the crucible to the flexible substrate. The deposition process can be controlled so that the deposited layers form a PV-active film.
US08291845B2

A pipe handling system for handling the pipes from a cargo hull includes a gantry beam and a guide mast assembly having an essentially vertical guide mast. The guide mast assembly is moveably connected to the gantry beam, allowing movement of the guide mast assembly in a vertical direction between a lowered mast position and a lifted mast position relative to the gantry beam. A lifting part includes a device configured to engage a pipe. The lifting part is moveable by one or more hoists in a vertical direction between a lowered lifting part position for picking up the pipe and a lifted lifting part position. The lifted part engages on the guide mast assembly, such that the guide mast assembly causes vertical guidance of the lifting part when the guide mast assembly with the engaged lifting part is moved between the lowered mast position and the lifted mast position.
US08291843B2

An apparatus for the cultivation of soil and the planting of seeds is described comprising a frame (8); a first row of deep loosening tines (4) carried by the frame and spaced apart across at least a major part of the width of the frame (8); and a second row of drill coulters (5) carried by the frame (8) and spaced apart across at least a major part of the width of the frame, —wherein a deep loosening tine (4) of the first row is aligned with at least one pair of drill counters (5) of the second row, in such a manner that each coulter (5) of the pair is laterally offset either side of the deep loosening tine (4). A method for the cultivation of soil and the planting of seeds using such an apparatus is also described.
US08291841B2

A portable, lightweight collapsible motorcycle stand and method of use is presented. The motorcycle stand comprises a platform, two support members rotatably affixed to opposite outer edges of the platform, and a shelf for storing tools and the like. The shelf reversible affixes to cross bars located on the two support members. The shelf is removable, thereby enabling collapsing of the motorcycle stand. The shelf is secure to the collapsed stand via shelf hooks and the entire apparatus is lock into a collapsed position through use of a cross bar hook. Alternate embodiments and their method of use are provided as well.
US08291838B2

A reinforced pallet assembly having a first pallet deck and a second pallet deck. Each of the decks has an outer member and an intermediate member, each outer member and intermediate member having a one of a pair of mating cross-rib surfaces which are mounted together to define box-beam sections within each pallet deck. Also included is an elongate reinforcement member which is disposed between the outer member and the intermediate member of the second pallet deck for providing stiffness thereto. Further included is a plurality of columns which extend between the intermediate members.
US08291833B2

A universal desk or workstation assembly for enhancing learning is incrementally adjustable in height from sitting to standing positions, and includes a pendulum swinging footrest assembly. The swinging footrest assembly may be provided in kit form and is configurable for retrofit attachment to existing desks and workstations. The swinging footrest provides height adjustment and mounting depth adjustment relative to the depth of the desk or workstation.
US08291830B2

An improved folding table is distinguished by the following features: a locking means is provided, by means of which the table top (5) can be locked in the work or use position thereof and in the storage position thereof, the locking means can be unlocked by means of a disengagement means (15), as well as the hand-actuatable disengagement means (15a), a further foot-actuatable or shoe-actuatable disengagement means (15b) is provided, and the at least one further foot-actuatable or shoe-actuatable disengagement means (15b) is provided on the underside of the table on the table half which is lower than the pivot axis of the table top (5) and/or is lower than the hand-actuatable disengagement means (15a) when the table top (5) is pivoted into the storage position.
US08291828B2

A sub-caliber bullet with an aerodynamic shape has long-range accuracy due to a high muzzle velocity and reduced time of flight to a target. The bullet has forward and aft portions and a mid-portion. The forward portion has a density in excess of 10/cm3 while the mid-portion has a lower density. The bullet has an aspect ratio of at least 5:1 and a diameter, d, that satisfies a Power Law equation: d=D*(x/L)n where D is a maximum bullet diameter, L is the length, x is a distance rearward from a nose of the bullet and n is a Power Law exponent that is between 0.5 and 0.75. In some embodiments, a blind bore extends into the mid-portion from the aft portion and a sustainer propellant within the bore ignites as the bullet exits a gun muzzle to provide a velocity boost and to overcome aerodynamic drag.
US08291827B2

A two-piece adapter for mounting a guidance system on unguided rockets allows for the existing designs and stores of unguided rockets to be retrofitted with guidance capability to provide a “guided rocket”. The adapter provides the external mounting features for mounting the guidance system and does so in a manner that transfers the steering loads of the guidance system to the rocket airframe and maintains the proper preloading and relationship of the fuze-to-warhead to detonate the warhead. The two-piece adapter comprises an inner adapter and an outer adapter. The inner adapter is secured between the fuze and warhead without requiring modifications of either part and provides the external mounting feature. The outer adapter is secured to the inner adapter and effectively moves the external mounting feature forward in front of the fuze where the guidance system is attached.
US08291818B2

A method of electronically sensing the fill of material in a stuffer chute and tripping a stuffer of a baler. A combine harvester and baler for biomass collection. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor.
US08291813B2

A variable-width toaster is described, in which the food-supporting carriage (5, 60) adapts readily, robustly and in a cost-effective manner to different width settings of the toasting chamber (2, 70). Respective elongate members (51, 52; 61, 62) are mounted to either side of the toasting chamber and are linked together by linking members (53a-53n; 63a, 63b) which form part of the food-supporting surface and are pivotally attached to the elongate members to accommodate lateral relative movement between the elongate members as the width of the toasting chamber is varied. In one embodiment, unitary linking members (53a-53n) link the two elongate members (51, 52) and the elongate members are urged apart by a spring (54). In another embodiment, chevron-like linking members, comprising pairs of pivotally associated linking members (63a, 63b) are employed.
US08291805B1

A locking device mountable to a rifle flash hider having grooved and flat portions. The locking device includes a body portion having an end, a bore and at least two undercut slots located in the end. At least two locking tabs are slidably engaged in the undercut slots, the locking tabs having a mounting hole and flat and arcuate confronting surfaces. An endcap is engageable with the body, the endcap having a central opening and at least two eccentric slots. At least two guide pins are located within the eccentric slots and engaged with the corresponding locking tab mounting holes. The locking tabs slidably move within the undercut slots in the body towards and away from the endcap opening when the endcap is rotated, thereby engaging and disengaging a flash hider having corresponding flat and arcuate portions.
US08291796B2

A two axis machine tool suppresses vibrations between two processing machines and provides a self vibration suppressing effect resulting from increased rigidity and increased mass. The two axis machine tool includes first and second separate and independent machine beds and processing machines mounted respectively on the first and second machine beds, and the first and second machine beds are connected together through vibration suppressing units. Each of the vibration suppressing units includes a viscoelastic body sandwiched between first and second plate members secured respectively to the first and second machine beds.
US08291773B2

An ultrasonic measurement device (10) for determining a flow velocity of a fluid in a conduit comprises a pipe section (12) having a central longitudinal axis (22) and a cross section (24) with a radius (R), the central longitudinal axis (22) defining a horizontal reference plane (26); at least a first two-path measurement system with a first path (30a) and a second path (30b) defined by a first pair of ultrasonic transducers (32) and a second pair of ultrasonic transducers (32) mounted to the wall of the pipe section (12), the ultrasonic transducers (32) of each path (30a-b) opposing each other at the ends of their path (30a-b), each path (30a-b) oriented parallel to the horizontal reference plane (26) with a distance to the horizontal reference plane (26) while having a component transverse to the central longitudinal axis (22); first evaluation means (38) to determine a first flow velocity value from the first path (30a) by comparing the ultrasonic transit times along the first path (30a) with and against the fluid flow and a second flow velocity value from the second path (30b) by comparing the ultrasonic transit times along the second path (30b) with and against the fluid flow; and first integration means (40) to determine the flow velocity from the first flow velocity value and the second flow velocity value. The distance from the paths (30a-b) to the horizontal reference plane (26) is greater than half the radius (R).
US08291771B2

An electronic apparatus with a sensor has an exterior case, a sensor unit arranged inside the exterior case for detecting pressure, and a sensor holding frame arranged between the exterior case and the sensor unit for mounting the sensor unit on the exterior case. The sensor holding frame includes a sensor accommodating portion which accommodates the sensor unit and which has a pressure chamber into which the pressure is taken in front of a sensor body of the sensor unit, and a pressure introducing passage through which pressure is introduced into the pressure chamber from outside the exterior case. A center axis of the sensor accommodating portion and a center axis of the pressure introducing passage are displaced from each other.
US08291766B2

In a method and device for ultrasonic testing of a workpiece, a multiplicity of ultrasonic testing pulses are launched into the workpiece from a test surface thereof. At least two ultrasonic testing pulses are launched into the workpiece to be tested at launching points that are spaced apart from one another by a test step width measured along the test surface. A single measured value (Ī) assigned to a local point located in the workpiece is calculated on the basis of the received signals assigned to the at least two ultrasonic testing pulses.
US08291754B2

A tire module for detecting tire condition variables, the module being mounted on an inside of a tire in an area deformed during tread shuffle and including at least one carrier, on which at least one electronic component is disposed, and at least one piezo-sensitive sensor, the piezo-sensitive sensor being disposed such that it is at least partially deformed during deformation of the tire during tread shuffle, and the deformation of the piezo-sensitive sensor being used to determine at least one shuffle variable, and the tire module including at least one battery for at least partially supplying energy to the at least one electronic component, and to use of the tire module.
US08291753B2

A tire defect tester and a method of operation are disclosed. In one aspect, the tire defect tester includes a first electrode arranged to direct energy toward a tire, and a second electrode arranged on an opposite side of the tire from the first electrode to receive energy passing through the tire from the first electrode. The tire defect tester further includes an energy sensor electrically connected to the second electrode and a fault indicator circuit responsive to the energy sensor and configured to indicate the presence of a flaw upon energy above a threshold level being sensed at the second electrode.
US08291752B2

The present invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring an exhaust-gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine. In order to create an inexpensive and also reliably operating method and a corresponding device for monitoring an exhaust-gas turbocharger, it is proposed that a sound transducer which is designed to record rotational-speed dependent turbocharger operating noise is provided, which sound transducer is connected to an electronic system for frequency analysis for the output of a turbocharger rotational speed signal.
US08291747B2

A combustion state detection apparatus includes an ion detection device that detects ions generated in a combustion chamber, an end detection device that detects ion signal end timing after spark timing obtained from the ion detection device, and a combustion diagnosis device that sets comparative timing to be compared with the end timing to determine abnormal combustion when the end timing is advanced from the comparative timing. The diagnosis device sets a smoothed value smoothed using various ion signal end timing values to set a ratio of the smoothed value and the spark timing and sets the comparative timing by making the ratio variable at predetermined timing with respect to the smoothed value. Hence, abnormal combustion in the internal combustion engine can be detected without causing a change in detection accuracy even with a change in calibration or environment and matching man hours for abnormal combustion detection can be reduced.
US08291746B2

A sensor including a tubular casing having an open rear end; and a first elastic member having a through hole so as to introduce ambient air into the casing and disposed so as to block the rear end opening of the casing. The sensor further includes: a holding inner tube that closely contacts an inner peripheral surface of the through hole; a ventilation filter that has permeability and a waterproofing property, the ventilation filter including a filter blocking portion that blocks a rear end opening of the holding inner tube, and a filter tubular portion connected to the filter blocking portion and surrounding at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of a rear end portion of the holding inner tube in the peripheral direction; and a holding outer tube that includes a ventilation hole, an outer tube blocking portion covering the filter blocking portion, and an outer tube tubular portion connected to the outer tube blocking portion and surrounding at least a portion of the filter tubular portion in the peripheral direction.
US08291741B2

The invention relates to a forming tool for hot forming, including a plurality of tool elements resting against one another and which define a forming surface, wherein the forming surface is embodied so as to be complementary to at least one section of a formed sheet component, which is to be produced by way of hot forming, and wherein the tool elements include cooling ducts in the form of bores which extend along the forming surface. At least two of the tool elements in each case include at least one cooling duct, which branches within the tool element into at least two cooling duct branches, wherein the bore axes of the cooling duct branches, which diverge or converge, respectively, extend along the forming surface. Through this, a generic forming tool is created, which provides for a high, uniform cooling capacity across a large forming surface.
US08291728B2

The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for joining together pieces of low thermal expansion glass to form parts that can be used in the manufacturing of mirror blanks. The parts are then used as a basis for the fabrication, using the method described herein, of hexagon sub-assemblies that would then be joined for assembly into mirror blanks.
US08291720B2

An improved method for sequencing variable speed centrifugal compressors on and off line to ensure optimal operating efficiency in a liquid cooling system under all operating circumstances is described. The present disclosure teaches modifying equipment sequencing decisions (to add or shed a unit), based in part on the position of the compressor inlet vanes. This new approach achieves improved energy efficiency of the overall system by taking into account operating conditions of individual compressors or chillers that may be sub-optimal.
US08291711B2

A combustor assembly for a turbine engine includes a combustor liner, a flow sleeve and a baffle ring. The flow sleeve surrounds the combustor liner. An annulus is formed between the flow sleeve and the combustor liner. A plurality of row of cooling holes are formed in the flow sleeve. The baffle ring radially surrounds the combustor liner and is located in the annulus.
US08291708B2

A dual fuel nozzle of a gas turbine combustor with a variable jetting hole diameter is disclosed. The combustor includes a plurality of swirling wings disposed along an outer peripheral surface of a central shaft to have at least one main fuel jetting hole, an air duct positioned at the lower side of the swirling wings to supply air to the swirling wings, a pilot fuel injection hole and jetting hole formed to pass through a central portion of the central shaft to supply a pilot fuel, a switching plate disposed inside the swirling wings to vary the size of the main fuel jetting hole, a driving unit disposed to be connected to the switching plate to move a position of the switching plate, and a casing containing the swirling wings, the air duct, the switching plate and the driving unit. It is possible to enhance fuel flexibility in a multiple fuel system for applying two or more fuels to a gas turbine at the same time.
US08291707B2

A multi-stage check valve includes a valve housing defining an internal valve chamber. A main valve member within the valve chamber of the valve housing has an internal valve chamber. In the first position thereof the main valve member blocks fuel below a predetermined main pressure from flowing through a main fuel path. In the second position thereof the main valve member is displaced to allow fuel above the predetermined main pressure to flow through the main fuel path. The multi-stage check valve also includes a pilot valve member within the valve chamber of the main valve member. In the first position thereof, the pilot valve member blocks fuel below a predetermined pilot pressure from flowing through a pilot fuel path. In the second position thereof, the pilot valve member is displaced to allow fuel above the predetermined pilot pressure to flow through the pilot fuel path.
US08291696B2

A device and method for catalytic reduction of NOx in gaseous products of combustion by directing the products of combustion through a particulate filter (32) and then into a mixing zone (28) through separate flow passages (34, 36) at respective velocities greater than that at which products of combustion leave the filter, by causing an injector (38) to introduce urea solution through a nozzle (40) aimed toward the mixing zone along a slant direction (42) to, and across, flow entering the mixing zone through a first (34) of the separate flow passages and ultimately toward a far wall (44) of the mixing zone relative to the nozzle while directing exhaust flow entering the mixing zone through a second (36) of the separate flow passages to enter the mixing zone between the first flow passage and far wall, and by directing flow leaving the mixing zone through an SCR catalyst (48).
US08291682B2

A saddle pad cover is disclosed and may include a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being coupled to the second layer, a closure device adapted for insertion of a saddle pad, and a patch positioned on the surface of the first layer, where the saddle pad cover may sleevably receive a saddle pad to form an assembly. A method of maintaining a saddle pad cover is also disclosed.
US08291676B2

A mold-concrete composite crossbeam includes a H-steel composed of upper and lower flanges and a web connecting them; a concrete member formed in a length direction of the H-steel to expose the upper flange out but bury the lower flange and the web partially; deck plate supports installed to both upper side edges of the concrete member to support a deck plate placed thereon; a reinforcing steel bar installed around the H-steel; a mold including a bottom detachably coupled to a lower end surface of the concrete member, and sidewalls formed in parallel to both sides of the bottom and detachably coupled to both end sides of the concrete member; a lateral reinforcing member coupled across both sidewalls; a side reinforcing member installed to an outer side of the sidewalls in a length direction; and bottom reinforcing members installed across a lower surface of the bottom.
US08291671B2

A joint arrangement for composite-material structural members in components including a skin and a plurality of structural members, applicable to pairs of first and second intersecting structural members, such as a beam and a frame in an aircraft fuselage, both members having a configuration which includes webs, inner flanges and outer flanges, in which, in the zone of intersection between said members, the laminations of one or both flanges of the first member include transverse flaps which are joined to one or both flanges of the ends of the segments of the second member which are separated at the intersection, acting as means for transmission of loads between them.
US08291665B2

A profile rail system (1) is used to cover a covering edge (2). The profile rail system (1) consists of at least one base rail (4) and at least one cover rail (5) that can be adjusted relative to the base rail. The base rail (4) and cover rail (5) are held together by at least one permanent magnet (20) in such a way that the cover rail (5) is pulled towards the base rail (4). At least a section of the base rail (4) and cover rail (5) can be magnetized to achieve a polarity-independent force effect of the permanent magnet (20).
US08291661B2

A modular floor includes a plurality of interconnected, uniform and elongated floor sections. Each floor section includes a wear layer, an upper subfloor panel, a lower subfloor panel and a plurality of parallel spacers sandwiched between the upper and lower subfloor panels. The spacers extend horizontally outwardly from three sides of the sections, including both longitudinal sides and one transverse side, but are recessed on the remaining transverse side. The parallel spacers extend into the recesses of adjacently located floor sections, alongside the corresponding spacers of those floor sections, along the longitudinal sides. At the transverse sides, each section has a spacer that extends into an adjacently located section in the same row and also receives a spacer from an adjacently located section in the same row. The sections have hardware connections that are concealed from view, and connecting each subsequent section requires two fasteners. The modular floor system of the invention is structurally rigid and uniform in appearance, but has lower installation, handling and manufacturing costs. Also, the uniform floor sections may be installed from the center of the floor.
US08291657B2

An attack-resistant window assembly that can be easily maintained without requiring the use of tools. The attack-resistant window assembly includes a slidable plate for securing the attack-resistant pane into the window assembly. The window assembly also has ballistic-resistant armor around the peripheral sides of the ballistic-resistant pane to prevent bullets from exiting the peripheral sides of the ballistic-resistant pane and coming into the space on the protected side of the window assembly.
US08291656B2

A retention assembly is for retaining a panel in a window or a door. The assembly includes a surround, a frame, and a locking latch. The surround includes a first and a second pair of spaced segments which extend to define an opening. The frame includes a pair of first spaced sides and the panel is supported between the sides. The pair of first spaced sides are disposed between the first and second pair of segments. One of the first sides includes a floor and a catch which extends from the floor. The locking latch is movably supported by the surround and defines a retention recess for permitting locking engagement between the locking latch and the catch as the locking latch is moved relative to one of the first segments.
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