US08294534B2
A resonator comprising a beam formed from a first material having a first Young's modulus and a first temperature coefficient of the first Young's modulus, and a second material having a second Young's modulus and a second temperature coefficient of the second Young's modulus, a sign of the second temperature coefficient being opposite to a sign of the first temperature coefficient at least within operating conditions of the resonator, wherein the ratio of the cross sectional area of the first material to the cross sectional area of the second material varies along the length of the beam, the cross sectional areas being measured substantially perpendicularly to the beam.
US08294530B2
A coupler assembly includes a monolithic body (5) with a bore (11) along a longitudinal axis. A coupler PCB chamber (7) with at least one coupler slot(s> (9) communicates between the PCB chamber and the bore. A coupler printed circuit board (15) is seated in the coupler PCB chamber. At least two couplers (17) are mounted upon the printed circuit board aligned generally parallel with the at least one coupler slot(s). A first side of each coupler may be coupled to a terminating load and a second side of each coupler may be coupled to a connection interface.
US08294523B2
An audio amplifier circuit has a first cascode stage configured as a voltage gain stage and having an input for an audio signal, and an output. The circuit has a second cascode stage configured as a unity gain or near unity gain stage and having an input to receive an output from the first cascode stage, and a low impedance output to drive an output stage of an audio power amplifier. The first cascode stage has a first, input transistor having an input biased to a predetermined bias voltage, and a second, output transistor arranged to drive the second cascode stage. The first, input transistor of the first cascode stage may have a common-emitter configuration, and the second, output transistor may have a common-base configuration. The invention extends to an audio amplifier which includes a circuit of the invention.
US08294521B2
Provided is a power amplifier including: a depletion mode high electron mobility transistor (D-mode HEMT) configured to amplify a signal inputted to a gate terminal and output the amplified signal through a drain terminal; an input matching circuit configured to serially ground the gate terminal; and a DC bias circuit connected between the drain terminal and a ground. Through the foregoing configuration, the HEMT may be biased only by a single DC bias circuit without any biasing means to provide a negative voltage. Also, superior matching characteristic may be provided in various operation frequency bands through a shunt inductor and a choke inductor.
US08294519B2
A power amplifying apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first amplifying unit having a first amplifying element to amplify an input signal, a second amplifying unit having a second amplifying element to amplify an output signal from the first amplifying unit; and a bias supply unit giving bias values to the first amplifying element and the second amplifying element, respectively, the bias values causing the first amplifying element and the second amplifying element to operate in a non-linear region.
US08294514B2
A calibration unit calibrates a power amplifier load impedance to achieve a nominal amplifier load impedance after the connection of one or more external elements, e.g., antenna, to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of output power calibration. The calibration unit comprises an adaptive impedance unit and a controller. The adaptive impedance unit includes first and second variable impedance elements connected between the amplifier and the external load, e.g., antenna. The controller independently calibrates the imaginary and real parts of the load impedance by respectively selecting first and second calibration values for the first and second variable impedance elements based on a reference voltage. More particularly, the controller selects calibration values for the first and second variable impedance elements from a plurality of impedance values based on a comparison between a reference voltage and the calibrated voltages produced at the output of the power amplifier responsive to the impedance values.
US08294503B1
A driver chain circuit and methods are provided. The driver chain circuit includes a plurality of voltage regulators and an inverter chain. The plurality of voltage regulators are operable to provide a bias to respective groups of one or more inverters within the inverter chain. The inverter chain includes a plurality of groups of one or more inverters. Each group of inverters is configured to receive a bias from a respective one of the plurality of voltage regulators.
US08294501B1
Systems and methods are disclosed for improving the accuracy of phase spacing of multiphase clocks. In one example, method includes receiving a reference clock having a first frequency and sampling the reference clock with a plurality of multiphase clocks having a second frequency to generate a plurality of samples. The second frequency is a non-integer multiple of the first frequency. The method also includes detecting transitions of the reference clock occurring between the samples generated from a plurality of pairs of the multiphase clocks and counting the transitions to generate a transition count for each pair of the multiphase clocks. The method also includes summing a set of the transition counts to generate a measured phase for a first multiphase clock, calculating a reference phase for the first multiphase clock, and generating a phase skew value for the first multiphase clock based on the measured phase and the reference phase.
US08294499B2
In an example embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a clock signal generation circuit. The clock signal generation circuit is configured to generate at least one control clock signal in response to an external clock signal and a read command signal. The clock signal generation circuit includes a plurality of delay circuits, and the clock signal generation circuit is configured to selectively disable at least one of the plurality of delay circuits to reduce power consumption.
US08294492B2
An ultra-low-power transconductance device is provided, (FIG. 1b, FIG. 1c), comprising a series connection of a transistor of a first channel type (A) and a transistor of a second channel type (B), the first channel type having a different polarity than the second channel type. The transistors each have a source, a drain and a gate. The source of the transistor of the first channel type (A) is coupled with the source of the transistor of the second channel type (B) and the drain of the transistor of the first channel type (A) is coupled with the gate of the transistor of the second channel type (B).
US08294486B2
A repair circuit having a repair controller which is capable of reducing unnecessary current dissipation by interrupting a control operation to redundant cells that are unused for replacement of defective cells is presented. The repair circuit includes a repair controller and a repair signal generator. The repair controller is configured to generate a first drive voltage, a second drive voltage and a repair control signal depending on whether or not a defective cell exists. The repair signal generator driven by the first and second drive voltages in which the repair signal generator is configured to generate a repair signal, for repairing the defective cell, in response to receiving the repair control signal and an external address.
US08294479B2
A docking drive for a testing head comprising a plurality of locking mechanisms (10) each provided with an own locking drive (14, 21-28) comprises a synchronizing device (11, 12, 13) synchronizing the locking drives (14, 21-28) of the locking mechanisms (10). It may comprise a respective trapping device (15a, b) provided in a plurality of locking mechanisms (10) each retaining a locking element (50) to be locked in the respective locking mechanism (10) in a certain position. A locking element (50) of a docking system comprises a base (51), a locking section (55) and a connecting mechanism (52-54) provided between the base (51) and the locking section (55) and being manually releasable without tools. The locking section (55) may be resiliently supported opposite of the base (51). The locking element may comprise a first retaining section (56) for the trapping device (15) and a second retaining section (57) for a locking device (16).
US08294476B2
A method for measuring values from a sensor cell having the basic structure of an MOS silicone transistor having and including a polymer material therein. The method includes the steps of expelling an analyte from the polymer material, determining a silicon current signature before analyte accumulation in a sensitive response region, introducing analyte into the polymer material, determining the silicon current signature immediately after analyte introduction, determining the organic current signature immediately after analyte introduction, allowing analyte accumulation in the polymer material, determining the silicon current signature after analyte accumulation, determining the organic current signature after analyte accumulation, and determining the silicon current signature after analyte accumulation in sensitive response region.
US08294473B2
A cable detector includes one or more peak detectors that detect when a termination impedance is missing from the output of a line driver. A peak detection signal is asserted when signals on a transmission line exceed a threshold level. A fault condition is asserted when the peak detection signal is asserted for a sufficient length of time to indicate that an actual fault is detected. The time period required for detecting a lost or missing line termination is longer than the time periods for any one of the pathological conditions to avoid a false positive detection. After the peak detection signal is de-asserted, the fault condition will be maintained until another sufficient length of time has expired without a peak detection.
US08294471B2
The ultra-high frequency partial discharge array sensor apparatus for a high-voltage power apparatus includes: a sensing unit which detects an electromagnetic wave partial discharge signal generated due to an internal defect of a high-voltage power apparatus and includes a plurality of sensors installed to detect information related to the position where the defect occurs; an anti-surge filter unit which prevents a surge input from the sensing unit; a signal delay time adjusting unit which equally adjusts delay times of signals input from the anti-surge filter unit; a signal switching unit which selectively transmits or blocks signals input from the signal delay time adjusting unit; a connector unit which connects a signal transmitted from the signal switching unit to the outside; and a sensor body which has a receiving space.
US08294468B2
A rotating, transversely magnetized, magnet on a drill collar induces magnetization in a casing of a preexisting well. A coil rotating synchronously with the magnet produces a current at twice the frequency of rotation and having an amplitude that depends upon the distance from the magnet to the preexisting well. Alternatively, a variable magnetic field is produced in the casing using a switchable magnet.
US08294466B2
Method for improving frequency-domain (1505), controlled-source electromagnetic data readability and interpretability in hydrocarbon prospecting by mapping a scaled amplitude or the relative amplitude (or phase) of the electromagnetic field in a scaled offset−scaled frequency plane (1510). The preferred mapping space uses the offset times the square-root of the frequency as the X-axis and the square-root of the frequency as the Y-axis. The preferred way to scale the amplitude of the electric field is to multiply it by the frequency to the power of −1.5. Resistive anomalies in the data may be identified by comparing negative offset data (or data relative to a reference) to positive offset data (1515). The location and size of a potentially hydrocarbon-bearing resistive body may be estimated from the position of the anomaly on the map (1520).
US08294464B2
Example systems, apparatus, circuits, and so on described herein concern parallel transmission in high field MRI. One example apparatus includes a balun network that produces out-of-phase signals that are amplified to drive current-mode class-D (CMCD) field effect transistors (FETs) that are connected by a coil that includes an LC (inductance-capacitance) leg. The LC leg is to selectively alter the output analog RF signal and the analog RF signal is used in high field parallel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) transmission.
US08294460B2
A local coil arrangement for magnetic resonance applications has a mechanically dimensionally stable support element that rests on a patient bed so as to transfer the weight of the local coil arrangement to the patient bed. The local coil arrangement has at least one local coil to excite and/or to receive magnetic resonance signals and a multipole, prefabricated electrical interface via which the local coil can be electrically contacted. The electrical interface is arranged so as to be dimensionally stable at the support element. Positioning aids for positioning of local coil arrangement are arranged on the support surface that also transfer the weight of the local coil arrangement is transferred to the patient bed as well as plugging the electrical interface into an electrical counter-interface.
US08294459B2
An electromagnetic detection system comprising: a transmitter loop for generating a primary magnetic field, and spaced apart receiver coils for measuring a secondary magnetic field generated in response to the primary magnetic field.
US08294456B2
The leak detector comprises a basic unit that is connected to a probe by a hose. The probe tip is placed against test zones of the test object. In case that test gas escapes from the test object, this is detected by a test gas detector in the base unit. According to the disclosure, a position determining system is provided which comprises a transmitter, a receiver that is disposed inside the probe, and a supply and evaluation unit. Thereby, the presence of the probe tip in the individual test zones is monitored and confirmed.
US08294453B2
A power monitoring system that reduces the need for external power calculation devices while simplifying the configuration of power meters.
US08294451B2
A solar panel smart sensor system is disclosed. The sensor system permits solar power system owners and operators to monitor the voltage of individual panels in a solar array. The system uses a low wire-count bus in which the order of sensors on the bus is automatically determined. A novel technique is used to measure DC voltages of panels that may be floating hundreds of volts above ground. Bypass diodes are monitored to detect lost power generation capacity.
US08294449B2
In accordance with a bandgap circuit and a method of starting the bandgap circuit, a start signal is continuously supplied to a differential amplifier circuit to start up the differential amplifier circuit that controls a bandgap core circuit until the differential amplifier circuit has started up, and then the supply of the start signal to the differential amplifier circuit is discontinued after the differential amplifier circuit has started up.
US08294447B2
A DC/DC converter comprising voltage conversion circuitry for generating a regulated output voltage responsive to an input current and at least one switching control signal. A current control loop generates the at least one switching control signal to limit an input current responsive to the input current, a reference voltage and a slope signal injected with the reference voltage.
US08294446B2
A device and method for regulating the output of a power circuit is provided, which in one embodiment includes a pulsewidth modulation (PWM) circuit that produces pulses each having a period of at least a minimum duration, a comparator circuit that produces a control signal, a timer initiated at the output of each pulse and operable to expire no later than expiration of twice the minimum pulsewidth duration, and wherein the PWM circuit is operable to reduce the frequency of outputted pulses in response to receiving the control signal having a first state at expiration of the first timer initiated at the output of a first pulse.
US08294441B2
A voltage regulator includes first and second closed-loop amplifiers and a N-type transistor. The first amplifier receives a first reference voltage and a feedback voltage. The second amplifier is responsive to the first amplifier and to the regulated output voltage of the regulator. Both amplifiers are biased by a biasing voltage. The second amplifier has a bandwidth greater than the bandwidth of the first amplifier and a gain smaller that the gain of the first amplifier. The N-type transistor has a first terminal responsive to the output of the second amplifier, a second terminal that receives the input voltage being regulated, and a third terminal that supplies the regulated output voltage. The feedback voltage is generating by dividing the regulated output voltage. An optional fixed or dynamically biased current source biases the first terminal of the N-type transistor. The voltage regulator optionally includes an overshoot correction circuit.
US08294426B2
According to one embodiment, a secondary battery device includes a first assembled battery including a plurality of secondary battery cells, a second assembled battery including a plurality of secondary battery cells and connected in series to a low-potential terminal of the first assembled battery, a disconnecting module capable of mechanically switching connection between the first assembled battery and the second assembled battery, a voltage measurement circuit configured to measure voltages of the plurality of secondary battery cells of the second assembled battery, a first power source wiring connected between a high-potential terminal of the second assembled battery and the voltage measurement circuit, a second power source wiring connected between a low-potential terminal of the second assembled battery and the voltage measurement circuit, and a filter connected between the first power source wiring and the second power source wiring.
US08294424B2
An apparatus includes battery gauge circuitry implemented on an integrated circuit. The battery gauge circuitry includes a plurality of switches that individually open in response to a voltage reduction on a battery cell associated with a respective one of the switches. The battery gauge circuitry also includes a logic device that determines if at least one of the switches is open. The battery gauge circuitry also includes a register that stores data that indicates if at least one switch is open. The battery gauge circuitry also includes a controller that initiates halting power delivery to a load if at least one of the switches is open. The controller also identifies the open switch.
US08294421B2
A cell balancing circuit for balancing battery cells includes a transformer and a switching controller. The transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding. The switching controller can select a first cell coupled to the primary winding and select a second cell coupled to the secondary winding. The first cell and the second cell are coupled in series. The first cell has a cell voltage that is greater than the second cell. The cell balancing circuit further includes a controller coupled to the primary winding. The controller controls energy from the first cell to the primary winding so as to transfer the energy from the first cell to the second cell to balance the battery cells.
US08294420B2
A vehicle charging and selection system for kiosk operated electrical vehicles. The system includes a utility connected AC charging source, a battery-to-battery DC charging source, a number of vehicle charging stations, a local power bus connectable to both charging sources and each of the charging stations and a system controller connected to each of the charging stations. The system controller evaluates the vehicle battery condition of each electric vehicle connected to one of the charging stations and determines the most efficient method for charging the largest number of vehicle batteries based on current condition of the individual batteries, weather conditions, time of day, status of the utility electrical grid, etc. The system controller also selects one of the connected electric vehicles for customer use by using the battery charging information and additional information about the desired trip provided by the customer and other external data sources monitored by the system controller.
US08294418B2
The present invention provides a power transfer device for charging a wireless communication device having a communication bandwidth, and an associated method of transferring power. The device and method of the invention use a spread-spectrum technique to reduce or minimize interference signals within the communication bandwidth and within the power transfer device.
US08294416B2
Disclosed is a method for controlling the operating point (AP, AP1, AP2) of a battery (1), such as a lithium ion battery, a nickel metal hydride battery or a lithium polymer battery. The charging state (SoC1, SoC2) of the battery (1) is recorded as a state variable which determines the current operating point (AP1, AP2) of the battery (1). The current operating point (AP1, AP2) is set by a corresponding set value (SoCAP1, SoCAP2) for the charging state (SoC1, SoC2) which is continuously adjusted depending on the temperature (T) and/or on the age state (SoH) of the battery.
US08294409B2
A ram air fan control system includes a ram air fan motor, the ram air fan motor being a pole-change induction motor with at least two pole-count configurations, a ram air fan contactor in operative communication with a first pole-count configuration of the ram air fan motor over a ram air fan conductor bus, a ram air fan power controller in operative communication with the ram air fan contactor, a common contactor in operative communication a second pole-count configuration of the ram air fan motor over a common conductor bus, the common conductor bus being separate and electrically isolated from the ram air fan conductor bus, and a common power controller in operative communication with the common contactor.
US08294407B2
A motor controller and an electric power steering system including the motor controller are provided. The motor controller has a microcomputer. When the on time of one of the lower potential-side FETs corresponding to the respective phases in a drive circuit becomes shorter than the detection time for detecting the phase current value, the microcomputer estimates the phase current value of the electric current undetectable phase based on the phase current values of the two phases other than the electric current undetectable phase corresponding to the relevant FET (blind estimation). When electric current detection is performed in the blind estimation, motor control signals are output, by which the switching state of the switching arm of the electric current undetectable phase is maintained and the power loss caused by the switching operation of the FETs in the two phases other than the electric current undetectable phase is compensated for.
US08294401B2
This invention relates to the control of electrical machines and is concerned more particularly, though not exclusively, with the control of flux switching brushless permanent magnet and switched reluctance electrical machines without a mechanical shaft position sensor. Brushless Reluctance and permanent magnet motors can be used in many applications, since they do not require the use of commutators or brushes in supplying electrical power to the rotor of the motor. An electrical machine is provided for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy and/or mechanical energy into electrical energy, the machine comprising a stator and a rotor, the stator having one or more electrical windings wherein at least one electrical parameter of the windings have a cyclic variation related to rotor position; at least one control device for controlling supply of electrical current to or from the or each said electrical winding, and at least one rotor position sensor means for detecting at least one electrical signal related to the cyclic variation of at least one electrical parameter of the or each said electrical winding wherein at least one said rotor position sensor means comprises the steps of measuring the said electrical signal at least once during any part of a switching cycle, conversion of the at least one measured electrical signal to a ratiometric quantity representative of an estimate of the rotor position corresponding to the at least one measured electrical signal and using the said ratiometric quantity in a calculation to maintain the current passing through the or each said electrical winding in synchronism with rotor rotation.
US08294399B2
A motor controller comprises a processor selectively outputting an on-signal to either one of an upper arm switching element and a lower arm switching element based upon a detected position by the position sensor, gate drivers inputting a driving voltage to the gates of the switching elements by shifting a level of the on-signal from the processor to the upper arm switching element and a bootstrap capacitor configured to be charged while the upper arm switching element is turned off and to behave as a voltage supply for the gate driver while the upper arm switching element is turned on. The processor is configured to reduce a set duty ratio when the set duty ratio is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (e.g. 80 percents) and a rotational position of the motor does not change for a first predetermined time. This motor controller can prevent the switching element from a burnout even if the motor is locked.
US08294398B2
An electronically commutated one-phase motor (20; 20′) has a stator having at least one winding strand (30, 32; 30′), and it has a permanent-magnet rotor (22) that induces, as it rotates, a voltage (uind) in the winding strand. The motor further has an electronic calculation device or microcontroller (26) which is configured to execute, during operation, the following steps repetitively: sampling the induced voltage (uind) in a currentless winding strand, for example, during a half-wave of the induced voltage, in order to obtain a plurality of analog voltage values; digitizing the analog voltage values in order to obtain a plurality of digitized voltage values; and processing the plurality of digitized voltage values to ascertain the instantaneous rotation direction of the motor rotor.The control circuit then can use these data to assure reliable motor start-up, regardless of any external driving forces which occur.
US08294390B2
In a discharge lamp lighting apparatus, in a starting sequence of a discharge lamp, while a frequency control circuit generates a inverter driving signal corresponding to resonance frequency of a resonant circuit, a power supply circuit outputs non-load open circuit voltage that is sufficient to maintain electric discharge, even when a boosting action accompanying a resonance phenomena disappears, and then a periodic drive circuit generates the inverter driving signal to gradually decrease frequency of the inverter from a frequency corresponding to the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit, until the frequency of the inverter reaches a first threshold frequency, and wherein when the frequency of the inverter reaches the first threshold frequency, while the periodic drive circuit generates the inverter driving signal so that the frequency of the inverter turns into a stable lighting frequency, the power supply circuit outputs current that is sufficient to maintain the electric discharge of the discharge lamp.
US08294386B2
The present invention relates to a light emitting device. The light emitting device according to the present invention comprises a light emitting cell block having a plurality of light emitting cells; and a bridge rectifying circuit connected to input and output terminals of the light emitting cell block, wherein the bridge rectifying circuit includes a plurality of diodes between nodes. In manufacturing an AC light emitting device with a bridge rectifying circuit built therein, the present invention can provide a light emitting device capable of enhancing the reliability and luminance of the light emitting device by setting the size of diodes of the bridge rectifying circuit to be a certain size and controlling the number thereof.
US08294385B2
An electronic ballast is provided for powering a high-pressure discharge lamp. A power supply circuit receives an AC input and provides a DC output in response to the AC input. An inverter circuit having a plurality of switching elements converts the DC output into an AC signal for the lamp. An LC resonant circuit is coupled between the inverter circuit and the lamp. A control circuit controls the switching operation of the switching elements, with the switching control associated with various operating modes. In an electrical breakdown mode the switching elements are controlled at a first switching frequency effective to provide a first resonant voltage and produce electrical breakdown of the lamp from an unlit state. In a high frequency preheat mode the switching elements after startup of the lamp are controlled at a second switching frequency lower than the first switching frequency to provide a current for preheating lamp electrodes. In a rectangular wave lighting mode the switching elements after preheating of the lamp electrodes is controlled to supply a rectangular wave AC signal to the lamp and maintain steady state lighting.
US08294381B2
A PWM dimming circuit for a LED load including a LED load connected to the main LED drive circuit, a current loop configured to measure output current from the LED load, a current loop regulation circuit connected to the current loop, a main control circuit configured to receive a signal from the current loop when the LED load produces an output current, and a PWM dimming controller configured to provide a signal to control the current loop regulation circuit and to make the current loop operate in a closed-loop mode when the LED load produces the output current and to provide a shutdown signal to the main control circuit when the LED load does not produce the output current. When the output current is detected, the main control circuit controls the main LED drive circuit to set its output current at a predetermined load current.
US08294376B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide for the rapid reignition of a high intensity discharge lamp. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for a fast reigntion of a high intensity discharge lamp is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a ballast operatively coupled to the lamp that is configured to receive power from a power supply. The apparatus is also comprised of a timer circuit that enters a timing phase and produces a quantum of timing information when the lamp ceases receiving power from the power supply. This timer circuit does not require external power during the timing phase. The apparatus is additionally comprised of a control circuit that receives the timing information and permits the ballast to reignite the lamp based on the information.
US08294371B2
An improved LED traffic signal is provided. The LED traffic signal suitably includes a housing with an opening, a printed circuit board coupled to the housing, and a power supply system coupled to the printed circuit board. The power supply system includes a power supply module that receives an AC input voltage from an AC input line and transforms the AC input voltage into a DC voltage with a regulated current to power the LED load, and a synchronized power pulse circuit connected to the power supply that generates a synchronized power pulse representing a power consumption substantially equivalent to that of a halogen or incandescent traffic signal.
US08294362B2
A display device including a display panel is provided, including a substrate having a luminance region and a none-luminance region thereover. An interlayer dielectric layer is disposed over the substrate. A reflection layer is disposed over the interlayer dielectric layer in the luminance region. A planarization layer is disposed over the reflection layer, having a rugged top surface corresponding to the reflection layer. A first electrode is disposed over the planarization layer, having a rugged top surface corresponding to the reflection layer. A pixel defining layer is disposed over the planarization layer, exposing the rugged top surface of the first electrode and defining the luminance region. An electroluminescent layer and a second electrode are sequentially stacked over the first electrode.
US08294360B2
A light-emitting device includes a transparent or semitransparent first electrode, a second electrode that forms a pair with the first electrode and reflects light, and organic semiconductor layers, which include a photoelectric converting layer that emits light by recombining holes removed from one of the first electrode and the second electrode with electrons removed from the other of the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the organic semiconductor layers include between the first electrode and the photoelectric converting layer a light extraction improving layer, which contains at least silver or gold in part as a component, partially reflects light, and has transparency.
US08294356B2
The present invention provides a light-emitting element lamp 1 capable of preventing a temperature rise of a substrate 9, on which light-emitting elements 4 are mounted, by effectively utilizing a thermally conductive casing 2 and a thermally conductive cover 5. The light emitting element lamp 1 includes a thermally conductive casing 2, a light source part 3, a thermally conductive cover 5, and an insulative cover 6. The thermally conductive casing 2 includes an irradiation opening 2b, is formed so as to be widened toward the irradiation opening 2b, has its outer circumferential surface exposed outwardly, and has a substrate mounting part 2c secured on its inner circumferential surface. The light source part 3 has a substrate 9 having the light-emitting elements 4 mounted thereon and causes the substrate 9 to be thermally coupled to and attached to the substrate mounting part 2c of the thermally conductive casing 2. The thermally conductive cover 5 is thermally coupled to and connected to the outer circumferential surface of the thermally conductive casing 2 in a surface-contacted state. The insulative cover 6 has one end side thereof connected to the thermally conductive cover 5, and the cap 7 is connected to the other end side thereof. The lighting circuit 12 controls lighting of the light-emitting elements 4 accommodated in the insulative cover 6.
US08294349B2
In a lighting device 10, a discharge tube 15 includes a glass tube 34, an electrode 34a, an outer lead 35 and a ferrule 36. The electrode 34a is arranged inside the glass tube 34. The outer lead 35 makes electrical connection between the electrode 34a and an external device. The ferrule 36 has a drum shape so as to be fitted onto the glass tube 34 and makes electrical connection between the outer lead 35 and the terminal 14. The ferrule 36 includes a main body 37, a connecting part 40 and a holding part 50. The main body 37 is fitted onto the glass tube 34. The connecting part 40 extends from the main body 37 and is electrically connected to the outer lead 35. The holding part 50 is separately provided from the connecting part 40 and extends from the main body 37. The holding part 50 holds the outer lead 35 and a relative position of the ferrule 36 to the glass tube 34 is defined with the holding part 50.
US08294346B2
An internal combustion engine radio frequency spark plug including two plasma-generating electrodes, separated by an insulator, that constitute respectively an outer shell enclosing the insulator and a central electrode housed in a central bore of the insulator. The spark plug includes a deep opening over the entire circumference of the shell, forming a heat-exchanger chamber inside the spark plug shell, opening outwards.
US08294337B2
A flexural vibration piece includes a base, and a vibrating arms extending therefrom, each pair of vibrating arms has a first groove formed in the extension direction of the vibrating arm in one main surface following the direction in which the pair of vibrating arms are aligned, and a second groove formed side by side to the first groove in another main surface, the sum of the depths of the first and second groove portions is greater than the interval between the one main surface and the other main surface, and a mass portion is provided on each of the pair of vibrating arms, on the one main surface which is the opening side of the first grooves formed toward the outer sides opposite the inner sides on which the vibrating arms face each other.
US08294329B2
This invention provides a polymer actuator having a structure such that voltage can be efficiently applied to two or more actuator electrodes without directly providing an electrical contact point to an expanding and contracting portion.An actuator has: an insulating base material 1; a first terminal 2 for energizing provided contacting the insulating base material; a first actuator electrode 4 provided contacting the first terminal; an electrolyte layer 5 provided contacting the first actuator electrode; a second actuator electrode 6 provided contacting the electrolyte layer; a second terminal 3 for energizing provided spaced apart from the first terminal and contacting the insulating base material; an energization preventing portion 7 for preventing energization of the first terminal and the second terminal; and a connecting portion 8 provided contacting the energization preventing portion in order to energize the second actuator electrode and the second terminal.
US08294322B2
In a rotating electrical machine, when a stator winding is wound in concentrated winding, an improvement in performance is achieved by reducing a magnetomotive force harmonic without reducing a fundamental wave magnetic flux generated by a stator. A rotating electrical machine (10) includes a rotor (18), and two stators (14, 16) opposed with the rotor (18) being interposed therebetween either on both sides of the rotor (18) in the axial direction or on both sides of the rotor (18) in the radial direction. Stator windings (22) provided in a plurality of portions in the circumferential direction of each stator (14, 16) are wound in concentrated winding. The directions of magnetic fluxes generated by stator windings (22) having the same phase in the stators (14, 16) are in mutually opposite directions with respect to either the axial direction or the radial direction. The stator windings (22) having the same phase in the stators (14, 16) are arranged to be shifted from each other by 180 degrees in electrical angle in the circumferential direction.
US08294316B2
An electrical power generation apparatus is embedded in a contra-rotating propulsion system that includes overlapping first and second shafts operatively connected for counter-rotation about a common axis. The electrical power generation apparatus includes a winding mounted to one of the shafts and a field array mounted to the other of the shafts adjacent to the winding. Relative rotation of the winding and the field array induces electrical current in the winding.
US08294304B1
A charge, close, trip device with a solenoid on a frame or a motor. The frame can include supports, beams, and handles. The motor can be mounted on a mount with a bracket that can be attached to the frame. A solenoid can be mounted on a bracket that can be mounted to the frame. The solenoid can have a plunger for engaging buttons on equipment. A gear assembly can be in a gear box attached to the motor mount bracket. The gear assembly can have a collar that can connect to a shaft. The shaft can include a key in a shaft key way. The gear box can include a gear box key way and a shaft housing for engaging the shaft. The motor can be connected to the gear box. Magnet housings can be connected to the frame with extendable magnets disposed inside.
US08294298B2
A redundant power supply device, particularly the one without installing a heat dissipating fan, includes a chassis having at least one power input accommodating space and a plurality of power output accommodating spaces, a back panel device comprising a back panel, which is a printed circuit board mounted onto the chassis, a plurality of power supply devices installed in the power output accommodating spaces and electrically connected to the back panel, at least one power input module inserted into the power input accommodating space for providing an external AC-to-DC or DC-to-AC conversion and electrically coupling the back panel. During an application without changing the back panel, the power input accommodating space is disposed opposite to the external input power supply, and the power input includes at least one power input module with AC-to-DC or DC-to-AC conversion to achieve high interchangeability, economic benefit and product competitiveness.
US08294275B2
A chip package includes: a substrate having a first and a second surface; a device region and a pad disposed on the first surface; a hole extending from the second surface to the pad; an insulating layer located on a sidewall of the hole; a carrier substrate located on the second surface; a first redistribution layer located between the carrier substrate and the insulating layer and located in the hole to electrically contact with the pad, wherein an edge of the first redistribution layer is exposed on a sidewall formed by the carrier substrate and the insulating layer; a second redistribution layer located on the carrier substrate, extending towards the second surface, and contacting the exposed edge of the first redistribution layer; and a buffer layer located on or below the second surface of the substrate and located between the second redistribution layer and the substrate.
US08294273B2
Methods for forming conductive vias include forming one or more via holes in a substrate. The via holes may be formed with a single mask, with protective layers, bond pads, or other features of the substrate acting as hard masks in the event that a photomask is removed during etching processes. The via holes may be configured to facilitate adhesion of a dielectric coating that includes a low-K dielectric material to the surfaces thereof. A barrier layer may be formed over surfaces of each via hole. A base layer, which may comprise a seed material, may be formed to facilitate the subsequent, selective deposition of conductive material over the surfaces of the via hole. The resulting semiconductor devices, intermediate structures, and assemblies and electronic devices that include the semiconductor devices that result from these methods are also disclosed.
US08294272B2
A power module includes a pair of power devices that are stacked with a plate-shaped output electrode arranged therebetween, and an N-electrode and a P-electrode that are stacked with the pair of power devices arranged therebetween. The output electrode is anisotropic such that the thermal conductivity in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction is greater than the thermal conductivity in the stacking direction. Also, the output electrode extends in the orthogonal direction from a stacked area where the pair of power devices are stacked. The N-electrode and the P-electrode extend in the orthogonal direction while maintaining an opposing positional relationship.
US08294269B2
An electronic structure may include a conductive pad on a substrate, and an insulating layer on the substrate and on the conductive pad. The insulating layer may have a via therein so that a portion of the conductive pad opposite the substrate is free of the insulating layer. A conductive layer comprising copper may be on the portion of the conductive pad free of the insulating layer, on sidewalls of the via, and on surface portions of the insulating layer surrounding the via opposite the substrate and the conductive pad, and the conductive layer comprising copper may have a thickness of at least approximately 1.0 μm. A conductive barrier layer may be on the conductive layer comprising copper, and the conductive barrier layer may include at least one of nickel, platinum, palladium, and/or combinations thereof. A solder layer may be on the conductive barrier layer, the conductive layer comprising copper and the solder layer may comprise different materials, and the conductive barrier layer may be between the conductive layer comprising copper and the solder layer.
US08294263B2
A light-emitting diode packaging structure comprises a light-emitting diode and first and second metal plates on which the light-emitting diode is mounted. The light-emitting diodes includes first and second electrode leads, the second electrode lead having first and second contact surfaces on an outer edge of the second electrode lead. The first metal plate includes at least one clamping portion that clamps and fixes the first electrode lead on the first metal plate. The second metal plate includes at least first and second clamping portions. The first contact surface of the second electrode lead contacts the first clamping portion, and the second contact surface of the second electrode lead contacts the second clamping portion, such that the light-emitting diode is fixed on the second metal plate in at least two dimensions parallel to a primary surface of the second metal plate on which the light-emitting diodes is mounted.
US08294261B2
An integrated circuit (IC) device includes a substrate having a top surface including substrate pads, and a through substrate via (TSV) die including a semiconductor substrate including a topside semiconductor surface having active circuitry and a bottomside surface. The topside semiconductor surface includes bonding connectors that are coupled to the substrate pads on the top surface of the substrate. A plurality of TSVs include an inner metal core that extends from the topside semiconductor surface to protruding TSV tips which extend out from the bottomside surface. At least one of the plurality of TSVs are dummy TSVs that have their protruding TSV tips exclusive of any electrically connection thereto that provide additional surface area that enhances heat dissipation from the bottomside of the TSV die.
US08294238B2
A peripheral circuit area is formed around a memory cell array area. The peripheral circuit area has element regions, an element isolation region isolating the element regions, and field-effect transistor formed in each of the element regions and including a gate electrode extending in a channel width direction, on a semiconductor substrate. An end portion and a corner portion of the gate electrode are on the element isolation region. A radius of curvature of the corner portion of the gate electrode is smaller than a length from the end portion of the element region in the channel width direction to the end portion of the gate electrode in the channel width direction, and is less than 85 nm.
US08294231B2
An optical sensing device includes a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate a semiconductor support substrate, an insulating layer located on the semiconductor support substrate, and a semiconductor layer located on the insulating layer. The optical sensing device further includes a visible light sensor located in the semiconductor support substrate, and an ultraviolet ray sensor located in the semiconductor layer.
US08294227B2
A magnetic cell includes a ferromagnetic free layer having a free magnetization orientation direction and a first ferromagnetic pinned reference layer having a first reference magnetization orientation direction that is parallel or anti-parallel to the free magnetization orientation direction. A first oxide barrier layer is between the ferromagnetic free layer and the first ferromagnetic pinned reference layer. The magnetic cell further includes a second ferromagnetic pinned reference layer having a second reference magnetization orientation direction that is orthogonal to the first reference magnetization orientation direction. The ferromagnetic free layer is between the first ferromagnetic pinned reference layer and the second ferromagnetic pinned reference layer.
US08294212B2
Circuits and methods for providing an SRAM or CAM bit cell. In one embodiment, a bit cell portion with thicker gate oxides in the storage cell transistors, and thinner gate oxides in a read port section having transistors are disclosed. The use of the thick gate oxides in the storage cell transistors provides a stable storage of data and lower standby leakage current. The use of the thinner gate oxides in the read port transistors provides fast read accesses and allows a lower Vcc,min in the read port. The methods used to form the dual gate oxide thickness SRAM cells have process steps compatible with the existing semiconductor manufacturing processes. Embodiments using high k gate dielectrics, dual gate dielectric materials in a single bit cell, and using finFET and planar devices in a bit cell are described. Methods for forming the structures are disclosed.
US08294208B2
A power semiconductor device which includes a gate contact on one surface thereof connected to a gate bus on another opposing surface thereof using a conductive body extending through a via between the two surfaces of the device.
US08294202B2
A semiconductor device structure, for improving the metal gate leakage within the semiconductor device. A structure for a metal gate electrode for a n-type Field Effect Transistor includes a capping layer; a first metal layer comprising Ti and Al over the capping layer; a metal oxide layer over the first metal layer; a barrier layer over the metal oxide layer; and a second metal layer over the barrier layer.
US08294198B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit device is provided. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a plurality of isolation regions which are formed within a semiconductor substrate and define active regions. A tunnel layer and a trap seed layer are formed in each of the active regions and are sequentially stacked between the isolation regions. A trap layer is formed on the trap seed layer and protrudes further than a top surface of each of the isolation regions. A blocking layer is formed on the trap layer. A gate electrode is formed on the blocking layer.
US08294195B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nonvolatile semiconductor memory element including: a semiconductor substrate including: a source region; a drain region; and a channel region; a lower insulating film that is formed on the channel region; a charge storage film that is formed on the lower insulating film and that stores data; an upper insulating film that is formed on the charge storage film; and a control gate that is formed on the upper insulating film, wherein the upper insulating film includes: a first insulting film; and a second insulating film that is laminated with the first insulating film, and wherein the first insulating film is formed to have a trap level density larger than that of the second insulating film.
US08294184B2
A field effect transistor comprises an electrostatically moveable gate electrode. The moveable gate is supported by at least two posts, and the source, drain, and channel of the transistor are centrally located under the moveable layer. At least one electrode is positioned on at least two sides of the source, drain, and channel.
US08294183B2
The present invention provides a fabrication method of a semiconductor substrate, by which a planar GaN substrate that is easily separated can be fabricated on a heterogeneous substrate, and a semiconductor device which is fabricated using the GaN substrate. The semiconductor substrate comprises a substrate, a first semiconductor layer arranged on the substrate, a metallic material layer arranged on the first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer arranged on the first semiconductor layer and the metallic material layer, and voids formed in the first semiconductor layer under the metallic material layer.
US08294182B2
A light emitting device according to the embodiment includes a first electrode; a light emitting structure including a first semiconductor layer over the first electrode, an active layer over the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer over the second semiconductor layer; a second electrode over the second semiconductor layer; and a connection member having one end making contact with the first semiconductor layer and the other end making contact with the second semiconductor layer to form a schottky contact with respect to one of the first and second semiconductor layers.
US08294177B2
A light emitting device (1) includes a LED chip (10) as well as a mounting substrate (20) on which the LED chip (10) is mounted. Further, the light emitting device (1) includes a cover member (60) and a color conversion layer (70). The cover member (60) is formed to have a dome shape and is made of a translucency inorganic material. The color conversion layer (70) is formed to have a dome shape and is made of a translucency material (such as, a silicone resin) including a fluorescent material excited by light emitted from the LED chip (10) and emitting light longer in wavelength than the light emitted from the LED chip (10). The cover member (60) is attached to the mounting substrate (20) such that there is an air layer (80) between the cover member (60) and the mounting substrate (20). The color conversion layer (70) is superposed on a light-incoming surface or a light-outgoing surface of the cover member (60).
US08294163B2
An optoelectronic component with three-dimension quantum well structure and a method for producing the same are provided, wherein the optoelectronic component comprises a substrate, a first semiconductor layer, a transition layer, and a quantum well structure. The first semiconductor layer is disposed on the substrate. The transition layer is grown on the first semiconductor layer, contains a first nitride compound semiconductor material, and has at least a texture, wherein the texture has at least a first protrusion with at least an inclined facet, at least a first trench with at least an inclined facet and at least a shoulder facet connected between the inclined facets. The quantum well structure is grown on the texture and shaped by the protrusion, the trench and the shoulder facet.
US08294161B2
A radiation-emitting device comprising a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, and an emitter layer arranged between the first and second electrode. The emitter layer here comprises a matrix material, 0.5-5% by weight of a radiation emitting emitter and 5-30% by weight of a phosphorescent exciton scavenger. The proportion by weight of the exciton scavenger here is higher than that of the radiation emitting emitter, and the emission maximum of the exciton scavenger is at a shorter wavelength than that of the radiation emitting emitter. In addition, the radiation-emitting device is characterized in that the current efficiency of the emitter layer is increased by at least 10% compared to the current efficiency of an emitter layer without exciton scavenger.
US08294160B2
A method of making a light emitting device, includes a mounting and a light emitting element on a substrate; hot-pressing a glass material on the light emitting element to form a glass sealing portion for sealing the light emitting element; and forming a phosphor layer on a surface of the glass sealing portion.
US08294159B2
A method for fabrication of 3D semiconductor devices utilizing a layer transfer and steps for forming transistors on top of a pre-fabricated semiconductor device comprising transistors formed on crystallized semiconductor base layer and metal layer for the transistors interconnections and insulation layer. The advantage of this approach is reduction of the over all metal length used to interconnect the various transistors.
US08294157B2
It is an object to reduce the effect of a characteristic of the edge portion of a channel forming region in a semiconductor film, on a transistor characteristic. An island-like semiconductor film is formed over a substrate, and a conductive film forming a gate electrode provided over the island-like semiconductor film with a gate insulating film interposed therebetween, is formed over the semiconductor film. In the semiconductor film, a channel forming region, a first impurity region forming a source or drain region, and a second impurity region are provided. The channel forming region is provided in a region which overlaps with the gate electrode crossing the island-like semiconductor film, the first impurity region is provided so as to be adjacent to the channel forming region, and the second impurity region is provided so as to be adjacent to the channel forming region and the first impurity region. The first impurity region and the second impurity region are provided so as to have different conductivity, and the second impurity region and the channel forming region are made to have different conductivity or to have different concentration of an impurity element contained in the second impurity region and the channel forming region in a case of having the same conductivity.
US08294149B2
A plurality of peripheral test structure substrate (PTSS) through vias is formed within a peripheral test structure substrate. A peripheral test structure layer and at least one functional layer are formed on one side of the plurality of the PTSS through vias. The other side of the plurality of the PTSS through vias is exposed throughout fabrication of the peripheral test structure layer and the at least one functional layer to provide access points for testing functionality of the various layers throughout the manufacturing sequence. C4 bonding may be performed after manufacture of all of the at least one functional layer is completed. A 3D assembly carrier or a C4 carrier substrate is not required since the peripheral test structure substrate has sufficient mechanical strength to support the peripheral test structure layer and the at least one functional layer.
US08294144B2
In order to attain high mobility, large on/off current ratio and excellent storage stability to organic transistor comprising an organic semiconductor layer, the organic semiconductor layer comprises at least one compound represented by the general formula (1): (wherein each of X1 to X4 represents independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a straight, branched or cyclic alkyl group, a straight, branched or cyclic alkoxy group, a straight, branched or cyclic alkoxyalkyl group, or an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group, A represents an unsubstituted or substituted thiophene ring, B represents an unsubstituted or substituted benzene ring, or an unsubstituted or substituted thiophene ring).
US08294142B2
An organic EL device includes: an anode; a cathode and an organic thin-film layer provided between the anode and the cathode. The organic thin-film layer includes: a fluorescent-emitting layer containing a fluorescent host and a fluorescent dopant; and a phosphorescent-emitting layer containing a first phosphorescent host and a first phosphorescent dopant. The first phosphorescent dopant emits light by receiving exited triplet energy transferred from the fluorescent host. The fluorescent host has a substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic fused aromatic skeleton and has an exited triplet energy gap of 2.10 eV to 3.00 eV.
US08294132B2
A graphene memristor includes a first electrode, a second electrode electrically coupled to the first electrode, an active region interspersed between the first and second electrodes, a defective graphene structure that modulates a barrier height to migration of ions through the active region, fast diffusing ions that migrate under the influence an electric field to change a state of the graphene memristor, and a source that generates the electric field.
US08294130B2
A method for optimizing the alignment of an optical package includes directing a beam spot of a laser along a folded optical path and onto a waveguide portion of a wavelength conversion. The output intensity of the wavelength conversion device is measured as a position of an adjustable optical component is adjusted about a first scanning axis and a second scanning axis thereby traversing the beam spot along a first and second scan lines on the waveguide portion of the wavelength conversion device. The change in the output intensity of the wavelength conversion device is then determined based on the adjusted position of the adjustable optical component. The adjustable optical component is then positioned on the first scanning axis and the second scanning axis based on the determined changes in the output intensity of the wavelength conversion device such that the output intensity of the wavelength conversion device is maximized.
US08294122B2
The present invention aims at reducing background noise derived from a substance that is present in the vicinity of a target substance such as a DNA and protein and attached to the surface of a substrate without an effect on a fluorescent dye labeling the target substance. The substrate that has a probe and is capable of interacting with the target substance is irradiated with noise removing light such that an evanescent field is generated on the surface of the substrate. A target substance and a foreign particle, which are non-specifically stuck to the surface of the substrate, are decomposed by the evanescent field generated by the irradiation with the noise removing light. The evanescent field present near the surface of the substrate has almost no effect on the probe. It is possible to reduce the background noise derived from the substance that is present in the vicinity of the target substance and attached to the surface of the substrate and suppress effects on the probe and the target substance interacting with the probe.
US08294121B2
Fixtures according to the present invention include fixing surfaces in the same shape as end surfaces of a device under test which is to be measured while an electromagnetic wave to be measured at a frequency equal to more than 0.01 [THz] and equal to or less than 100 [THz] is irradiated on the device under test. The end surfaces are fixed to the fixing surfaces. When a refractive index of the fixtures is n0, and a refractive index of the device under test is n1, a relationship n1−0.1≦n0≦n1+0.1 holds. The fixtures do not cover a side surface of the device under test. The fixtures are rotated about a straight line orthogonal to the fixing surfaces as a rotational axis.
US08294114B2
A method for monitoring a container or the contents in a volume (39, 47), including allowing at least one of a beta, gamma, neutron, and proton radiation emerging from said container or volume (39, 47), and/or secondary particles or radiation brought forth by said radiation, to pass through a measuring volume (12, 12′) of at least one radiation detector (10, 10′, 10″), said measuring volume (12, 12′) containing a noble gas and/or a noble gas isotope, or a mixture of noble gases and/or noble gas isotopes and detecting the photons generated within said measuring volume (12, 12′) by an interaction (18, W1, . . . , W4) of the radiation with the noble gas or noble gases and/or their isotopes of the measuring volume (12, 12′). The output of said photon detecting means (15, 16, 53) is then used to derive information about the container or the contents in said volume (39, 47), whereby this information is used to discriminate protons, neutrons, beta and gamma rays respectively.
US08294112B2
A radiation-sensitive detector includes a photosensor layer with one or more photosensor dixels and a composite scintillator layer with one or more scintillator dixels optically coupled to the photosensor layer. The composite scintillator layer is formed from a mixture including a scintillator material having a first refractive index corresponding to a first wavelength and a photo-resist used in micro-electromechanical systems production, having a second refractive index corresponding to the first wavelength. The first and second refractive indices are substantially matched, and the composite scintillator layer produces light having the first wavelength and that is indicative of x-radiation detected thereby.
US08294108B2
In a scintillator of a radiation detector according to this invention, first reflectors provided in first scintillation counter crystal layer adjacent to one another have gaps wider than first reflectors provided in second scintillation counter crystal layer such that an overall width of the first reflectors in the first scintillation counter crystal layer in an arranging direction is identical to an overall width of the first reflectors in the second scintillation counter crystal layer in an arranging direction. Such construction improves spatial resolution at a side end of the scintillator.
US08294107B2
Disclosed is a low-luminance imaging device using a silicon photomultiplier, which includes a first optical portion for collecting incident light, the silicon photomultiplier including a plurality of microcells so that photons of collected light are converted into photoelectrons which are then multiplied, a phosphor screen for converting the multiplied photoelectrons into photons, a second optical portion for transferring the converted photons, and an image sensor for picking-up the transferred photons thus obtaining an image, so that the imaging device has a high photomultiplication factor thereby obtaining an image having good image quality even at low luminance and achieving a low bias voltage and a small size.
US08294105B2
A method for controlling an electronic device includes providing a display screen and a sensing assembly including at least one photoreceiver and phototransmitters. Emission of infrared light by the phototransmitters is controlled as an object moves in a first specified pattern of movement and then moves in a second specified pattern of movement, and measured signals are generated. The measured signals are evaluated to identify the first specified pattern, to detect a reference offset location, and to determine, for each of a group of time periods when the object is moving in the second specified pattern, a corresponding location of the object during that period. A centering operation is performed in response to the identification, wherein the centering operation moves an indicator to an initial predetermined reference location on the display screen; and sequential locations of the indicator are controlled in accordance with the corresponding determined locations.
US08294104B2
A system for detecting and locating water in a sandwich-type structure for aircrafts, the system including means for heating the water contained in an intermediate layer of the sandwich-type structure, and means for recording at least one image of a surface of the sandwich-type structure, the image showing particular regions of the surface, corresponding to the presence of water in the intermediate layer. The means for heating the water include a device for emitting microwaves inside the sandwich-type structure, at a frequency essentially equal to the resonance frequency of the water molecules. The invention also relates to a method implemented by the system.
US08294091B2
Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for performing gas chromatography and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The device and method feature a removable housing which housing contains the gas samples when the mass spectrometry receives gas samples. The device fits an atmospheric pressure ionization housing and upon removal, the atmospheric pressure ionization housing receives liquid samples.
US08294083B2
An image display device is provided, by which variations in drive sensitivity of a scan mirror is corrected. Processing executed by a CPU in a laser projector includes the steps of: driving a scanner mirror in a vertical direction; allowing at least one of a green laser and red/blue lasers to emit light; calculating stay time in a light-receiving region in a photoreceptor; comparing the calculated stay time with ideal stay time Tideal; decreasing a tilt of a drive signal for driving the scanner mirror in the vertical direction if the calculated stay time is shorter than the stay time Tideal; and increasing the tilt of the drive signal if the calculated stay time is longer than the stay time Tideal.
US08294076B2
An imaging photodetection device (4) includes: a plurality of photodetectors (6) that are arrayed on a substrate (5) at least along a first direction; a transparent low refractive index layer (12) that is formed above the plurality of photodetectors; and a plurality of transparent high refractive index sections (13) that are embedded in the transparent low refractive index layer along the first direction. On a cross-section of the transparent high refractive index sections orthogonal to the substrate and along the first direction, central axes (14) of the transparent high refractive index sections are bent stepwise. Light that enters the transparent low refractive index layer and the transparent high refractive index section passes therethrough to be separated into 0th-order diffracted light, 1st-order diffracted light, and −1st-order diffracted light. Thereby, improvement in the efficiency of light utilization and pixel densification can be realized.
US08294070B2
A cooking appliance includes a recirculating airflow which is directed through particularly configured air plenum and nozzle structure that synergistically combine to enhance an overall cooking efficiency and effectiveness. In particular, the configuration of the air plenum, as well as the sizing and distribution of oven cavity entry nozzles, provides for an enhanced flow of heated air to the food product, thereby resulting in short cooking times due to high heat transfer while also providing an even browning and crisping of the food item being cooked. In addition, the cooking appliance incorporates an exhaust system wherein cooling air and a percentage of the recirculating airflow are mixed prior to being exhausted from an angled exhaust mixing tube.
US08294065B2
A stainless steel wire having a flux core for welding zinc-based alloy coated steel sheet having an outer metal sheath coating a core of flux wherein in total having in mass (%) as percentage to the total mass of the wire: C: 0.01-0.05%, Si: 0.1-1.5%, Mn: 0.5-3.0%, Ni: 7.0-10.0%, Cr: 26.0-30.0%, wherein an F value defined as a function of the above components ranges from 30 to 50, the flux further having a slag formation agent in mass (%) as percentage to the total mass of the wire: TiO2: 0.6-2.6%, SiO2: 1.8-3.8%, ZrO2: 1.0-3.5%, and optionally Al2O3: 0.1-1.0%, wherein the slag formation agent in total is less than 10%, and the wire further containing Fe and residual impurities.
US08294059B2
A process for producing through-holes in a sheet member to form a perforated article, such as an arcuate (non-planar) acoustic skin suitable for use in an acoustic panel of an aircraft engine nacelle. The process includes deforming a sheet member to have an arcuate shape with an arcuate surface, mounting and rotating the arcuate-shaped sheet member on a mandrel and then, while rotating the sheet member, directing an electron beam at the arcuate surface of the sheet member and deflecting the electron beam toward multiple locations on the arcuate surface to produce the through-holes through the sheet member in a defined hole pattern and thereby yield a perforated arcuate-shaped sheet member with holes having axes substantially normal to the arcuate surface. The holes are not subjected to elongation in a nonuniform manner after they are produced, and have the same transverse cross-sectional shape.
US08294057B2
An object of the invention is to provide a vacuum switch which can achieve a reduction of an electric loss and an improvement of a heat transmission performance by preventing an air gap portion from being generated between an electrode and a conductor rod and preventing the electrode and the conductor rod from generating any positional displacement. An electrode for a switch in accordance with the invention is provided with the conductor rod, a contact point electrode inserted to the conductor rod, and a coupling plate fixing both the elements to an outer side in a diametrical direction of the conductor rod and the contact point electrode, thereby fixing both the elements.
US08294056B2
Disclosed is a bushing terminal of a vacuum circuit breaker used for interrupting current, which includes: a terminal body having a cylinder that can be inserted into the interior of a contactor and annular protrusions formed to be protrude from an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder; and a flange having an insertion hole through which the cylinder is inserted, wherein the annular protrusions are plastic-deformed so as to be fixed to the insertion hole of the flange.
US08294053B2
An electronic key includes a case having therein an internal space; a circuit board including a transmit portion for transmitting a radio wave, a control portion for outputting a control signal for instructing the transmit portion to send the radio wave and an internal switch for instructing the control portion to output the control signal; a waterproof cover for protecting the circuit board; an external switch configured to be bent when being pressed by a user; and a flexible sheet arranged between the waterproof cover and a surface of the circuit board on which the internal switch is arranged. The circuit board, the flexible sheet, the waterproof cover and the external switch are arranged in series in the internal space. The internal switch receives a press-force by the user from the external switch via the waterproof cover and the flexible sheet.
US08294051B2
Disclosed is a device for preventing withdrawing and inserting of a circuit breaker. The device for preventing withdrawing and inserting of a circuit breaker include: a lead screw is coupled between a carriage and a girder assembly and rotated by an external force to allow a breaker body to be closed or released while the carriage is moved with respect to a cradle, and a braking unit preventing the lead screw for operating when the girder assembly is released from the cradle. In an unstable state in which the girder assembly is not coupled to the cradle, a withdrawal handle is prevented from being inserted into the girder assembly. Therefore, an abnormal withdrawing operation can be prevented, and thus, various safety accidents, a contact resistance and temperature rise, damage to a device due to electrical breakdown can be prevented.
US08294042B2
A method of manufacturing a connector is provided. Firstly, a substrate having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface and a through hole is provided. Next, a first conductive layer covering the inside wall of the through hole is formed on the substrate. Then, a filler is filled in the through hole to form a filler post. Next, a conductive elastic cantilever is formed over the first surface and electrically connected to the first conductive layer. Then, a gold layer is formed on the conductive elastic cantilever and over the first surface. A solder ball electrically connected to the first conductive layer is formed over the second surface.
US08294039B2
A surface finish structure of multi-layer substrate and manufacturing method thereof. The surface finish structure of the present invention includes a bond pad layer, at least one cover metal layer and a solder mask. The cover metal layer covers the bond pad layer. The solder mask has a hole to expose the cover metal layer. The present invention can form the cover metal layer to cover the bond pad layer and then forms the solder mask. Thereafter, the hole is made to the solder mask at the position of the cover metal layer to expose thereof. Because the bond pad layer is embedded in a dielectric layer of the multi-layer substrate, adhesion intensity between the bond pad layer and the dielectric layer can be enhanced. Meanwhile, contact of the bond pad layer with the solder can be prevented with the cover metal layer.
US08294034B2
A circuit board including a circuit substrate, a first dielectric layer, an antagonistic activation layer, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a second dielectric layer is provided. The circuit substrate has a first surface and a first circuit layer. The first dielectric layer is disposed on the circuit substrate and covers the first surface and the first circuit layer. The first dielectric layer has a second surface, at least a blind via extending from the second surface to the first circuit layer and an intaglio pattern. The antagonistic activation layer is disposed on the second surface of the dielectric layer. The first conductive layer is disposed in the blind via. The second conductive layer is disposed in the intaglio pattern and the blind via and covers the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer is electrically connected with the first circuit layer via the first conductive layer.
US08294026B2
A three-dimensional solar cell comprising a semiconductor substrate with an inverted pyramidal cavity, emitter metallization regions on ridges on the surface of the semiconductor substrate which define an opening of the inverted pyramidal cavity, and base metallization regions on a region which form the apex of the inverted pyramidal cavity. A method for fabricating a three-dimensional thin-film solar cell from an inverted pyramidal three-dimensional thin-film silicon substrate by doping ridges on the surface of the semiconductor substrate which define an opening of an inverted pyramidal cavity on the substrate to form an emitter region, and doping a region which forms the apex of the inverted pyramidal cavity to form a base region. Adding a surface passivation layer to the surface of the substrate. Selectively etching the passivation layer from the emitter region and base region. Then concurrently metallizing the emitter region and base region.
US08294024B2
Photovoltaic cells, including silicon solar cells, and methods and compositions for making such photovoltaic cells are provided. A silicon substrate having an n-type silicon layer is provided with a silicon nitride layer, a reactive metal in contact with said silicon nitride layer, and a non-reactive metal in contact with the reactive metal. This assembly is fired to form a low Schottky barrier height contact comprised of metal nitride, and optionally metal silicide, on the silicon substrate, and a conductive metal electrode in contact with said low Schottky barrier height contact. The reactive metal may be titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, and tantalum, and combinations thereof, and the non-reactive metal may be silver, tin, bismuth, lead, antimony, arsenic, indium, zinc, germanium, nickel, phosphorus, gold, cadmium, berrylium, and combinations thereof.
US08294021B2
A photovoltaic device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The photovoltaic device includes: a substrate; a first conductive layer formed on the substrate; P layers and N layers alternately formed along a first direction on the first conductive layer; and I layers covering the P layers and the N layers on the first conductive layer, wherein the P layers and the N layers are separated from each other by a first interval, the I layers are formed between the P layers and the N layers that are separated by the first interval, and the P layers, the I layers, and the N layers formed along the first direction form unit cells.
US08294020B2
Energy harvesting devices, wherein one illustrative embodiment includes a crease beam, a thermoelectric element disposed in thermally-conductive contact with the crease beam and a heat exchanger disposed in thermally-conductive contact with the thermoelectric element. An energy harvesting system and a method of harvesting electrical power are also disclosed.
US08294017B2
A method for creating a personalized musical file is presented, the method comprising receiving a birth date, determining angular distribution of planets on a birth sky based, at least in part, on the birth date, selecting a plurality of Names from Shem ha-Meforash based, at least in part, on the angular distribution of planets, associating vowels with at least some of the Names, generating a recorded musical portion for at least some of the Names, assembling at least some of the recorded musical portions in a musical file and recording the musical file. A method for creating a personalized mandala and a personalized mantra is also presented herein.
US08294015B2
Methods and systems for utilizing a gaming instrument controller are described. In one embodiment, a musical interaction recording of a song may be accessed. The musical interaction recording may include a backing audible portion of the song and a user reproduction indication associated with the song. The user reproduction indication may be presented in synchronization with the song. A plurality of musical note selections may be received from a gaming instrument controller based on the presenting of the user reproduction indication. A plurality of musical notes for the song may be generated based on the receiving of the plurality of musical note selections. The backing audible portion and the plurality of musical notes may be reproduced.
US08294013B2
The percussion resonance system allows a drummer to produce additional, resonant acoustic effects beyond those produced by a conventional drum or other percussion instrument. In one embodiment, the percussion resonance system includes a substantially cylindrical sidewall having opposed upper and lower open ends, similar to the sidewall of a conventional drum, and batter and resonant heads respectively covering the upper and lower ends of the substantially cylindrical sidewall. A plurality of apertures are formed through either the batter head, the resonant head, or both, in order to produce additional acoustic effects caused by the air passing through the apertures as the heads vibrate. Air passing through the apertures increases the overall tonal qualities of the percussion instrument, and further aids in decreasing generation of unwanted vibrations, particularly in the form of ringing sounds or overtones. Further embodiments include inserts for percussion instruments having surfaces with similar apertures formed therethrough.
US08294004B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV194440. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV194440, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV194440 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 CV194440 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 CV194440.
US08293993B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB20D10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB20D10, cells from soybean variety XB20D10, plants of soybean XB20D10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB20D10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB20D10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB20D10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB20D10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB20D10 are further provided.
US08293992B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB42E10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB42E10, cells from soybean variety XB42E10, plants of soybean XB42E10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB42E10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB42E10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB42E10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB42E10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB42E10 are further provided.
US08293979B2
DNA encoding a herbicide metabolizing protein such DNA may, for example, be employed to produce herbicidally resistant plants.
US08293977B2
This invention relates to the field of sugar beet bolting and flowering control, specifically methods and transgenic sugar beet plants for suppressing the vernalization response. In particular, the present invention includes sugar beet plants and methods for modulating sugar beet vernalization by over expression of an FLC gene or by suppressing AGL20 gene expression.
US08293972B2
The invention is directed to recombinant antibodies which bind to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum antigens and comprise a single chain variable fragment (scFv). The antigen may be selected from SSPG1d or a portion thereof, aspartyl protease or a portion thereof, or whole Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mycelium. The invention also provides an antibody linked to an anti-fungal polypeptide. The invention extends to nucleic acid sequences encoding the antibodies, and expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid sequences. The invention is also directed to transgenic plants, seeds, tissues or cells transformed with the expression vectors. Methods for producing a transgenic plant that is resistant to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and for detecting Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in a biological sample utilizing an antibody which binds to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum antigen, and immunoassay kit for same are also provided.
US08293956B2
A gasoline composition is provided containing: (a) a gasoline base fuel; and (b) a terpene composition in an amount in the range of from 0.1 to 40% vol. based on total gasoline composition, said terpene composition comprising at least 60% wt. pinenes and having an acidity of at most 0.05 mgKOH/g.
US08293954B2
This invention achieves a catalyst life improvement for the catalyzed vapor phase reaction of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane with hydrogen fluoride to form 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene by introducing an oxygen co-feed into the fluorination reactor. By introduction of an oxygen co-feed to the reactor feed, the catalyst life was extended a minimum of two-fold (2×).
US08293951B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1,2-propanediol, in which a glycerol-containing stream, especially a stream obtained on the industrial scale in the production of biodiesel, is subjected to a hydrogenation in an at least three-stage reactor cascade.
US08293949B2
The present invention provides a process for producing low color glycols that comprises altering at least one condition of a reaction component and/or process stream within the process to be unfavorable for the formation of at least one color-producing contaminant intermediate. As such, such intermediates may be reduced in concentration, or even eliminated entirely, from glycols produced by the process. Since they are not present, or are present in reduced number, the intermediates cannot form color-producing contaminants in the glycols, and low color glycols are provided to the customer. Any condition that can discourage the formation of color forming contaminant intermediates can be adjusted, although conditions that can be adjusted by materials or equipment already utilized in the process, e.g., temperature, pressure, pH, concentration of a color-forming contaminant precursor, the presence of one or more solvents or catalysts favorable for the production of the color-producing contaminant or contaminant intermediate, and the like, are preferred.
US08293948B2
A reagent for organic synthesis with which a chemical reaction can be conducted in a liquid phase and unnecessary compound(s) can be easily separated at low cost from the liquid phase after completion of the reaction. The reagent for organic synthesis reversibly changes from a liquid-phase state to a solid-phase state with changes in solution composition and/or solution temperature, and is for use in organic synthesis reactions. This reagent for organic syntheses facilitates process development. With the reagent, research on and development of, e.g., medicines through, e.g., compound library synthesis, etc. can be accelerated. It can hence contribute to technical innovations in the biochemical industry and chemical industry.
US08293941B2
In one aspect, a process for the preparation of a superabsorbent polymer is described herein. In some embodiments, the process comprises (I) preparing acrylic acid, wherein the process comprises (a1) provision of a fluid F1 having a composition comprising from about 5 to about 20 wt. % of hydroxypropionic acid, salts thereof, or mixtures thereof; from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % of inorganic salts; from about 0.1 to about 30 wt. % of organic compounds which differ from hydroxypropionic acid; from 0 to about 50 wt. % of solids; and from about 20 to about 90 wt. % of water; (a2) dehydration of said hydroxypropionic acid to give a fluid F2 containing acrylic acid; and (a3) purification of said fluid F2 to give a purified acrylic acid phase comprising acrylic acid having a purity of at least 70 wt. %; and (II) polymerizing the acrylic acid of (I) to form a superabsorbent polymer.
US08293939B2
Embodiments of a method for removing vicinal diols from a lactic acid fermentation broth comprise the steps of contacting the lactic acid fermentation broth with functionalized silica comprising at least one hydrophobic ligand to facilitate binding of the vicinal diols to the hydrophobic ligand, and separating the contacted lactic acid fermentation broth from the functionalized silica to remove the vicinal diols.
US08293936B2
Provided is a method for producing n-propyl acetate capable of suppressing the deterioration of a hydrogenation catalyst to such an extent that the catalyst can be industrially used, for example, in the case where n-propyl acetate is produced by performing a hydrogenation reaction in the presence of the hydrogenation catalyst using, as a raw material liquid, a liquid containing allyl acetate or the like which has been produced from propylene, oxygen and acetic acid and obtained using a purification process such as distillation. In such a method for producing n-propyl acetate, the concentration of a formyl group-containing compound (such as acrolein, propionaldehyde or 2-methylcrotonaldehyde) and the concentration of an acryloyloxy group-containing compound (such as acrylic acid or allyl acrylate) in the raw material liquid are respectively set to 100 ppm by mass or less. As a result, the deterioration of the hydrogenation catalyst can be suppressed to such an extent that the catalyst can be industrially used.
US08293925B2
Pyrrolidinone carboxamide compounds are provided that are useful for inhibiting the binding of ligands to the ChemR23 receptor.
US08293918B2
Disclosed herein an improved process for producing 2,3-dihalopyridine with high purity at industrial scale with minimum effluent.
US08293911B2
This invention provides a compound of formula IA where X═O or S; Y is O or S; q=1 or 0; and other substituents are defined herein. Such compounds can affect the opening of, or otherwise modulate, voltage-gated potassium channels. They are potentially useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders which are affected by activation or modulation of potassium ion channels. One such condition is seizure disorders.
US08293909B2
The disclosure provides compounds of formula I, II, III, IV, and V, including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV.
US08293907B2
The present invention provides processes for the preparation of saturated ketone morphinan compounds by catalytic isomerization. In particular, the invention provides processes for the conversion of a morphinan comprising an allyl alcohol ring moiety into a morphinan comprising a saturated ketone ring moiety by an isomerization reaction catalyzed by an allyl-transition metal catalyst.
US08293902B2
The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) wherein ring C, Z, m, n, R1 and R2 are defined herein and salts thereof; their use in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability reducing effect in warm-blooded animals; processes for the preparation of such compounds; intermediates used in such processes; processes for making such intermediates; pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and methods of treating disease states involving angiogenesis by administering a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08293899B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing stereoisomerically enriched 3-heteroaryl-3-hydroxycarboxylic esters by reducing 3-heteroaryl-3-oxocarboxylic esters in the presence of ruthenium-containing catalysts.
US08293897B2
The present invention provides novel compounds useful in modulating the protein tyrosine kinase activity, and in modulating inter—and/or intra—cellular signaling. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders in mammals, especially humans.
US08293895B2
The present invention relates to novel carbapenem derivatives and belongs to pharmaceutical field. Specifically, the present invention relates to the compounds as represented by formula (1), pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrolysable esters, isomers and intermediates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 are described as in the description. The present invention also relates to the processes for the preparation of these compounds, to the pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and to their use for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of infectious diseases.
US08293891B2
Compounds of the formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 have the meanings indicated in claim 1, are inhibitors of cell proliferation/cell vitality and can be employed for the treatment of tumors.
US08293889B2
A method of manufacturing water-treatment particles comprises respectively preparing a particle-fabricating solution that comprises chitinous composition and a forming solution first. Next, a complex solution is prepared by adding calcium sulfite into the particle-fabricating solution. Finally, the complex solution is pumped into the forming solution to form water-treatment particles. In addition, water-treatment particles manufactured by the method above are also disclosed in the specification.
US08293880B2
The present invention relates to methods of prognosing urothelial carcinoma. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of prognosing urothelial carcinoma by determining expression levels of JUN, MAP2K6, STAT3 and/or ICAM1. In another embodiment, the present invention provides an single prognostic panel made up of eight gene markers. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a single prognostic panel made up of eleven gene markers.
US08293877B2
The present invention relates to a novel reactive dyestuff with a N-alkylamino group, represented by the following formula (I): wherein A1, A2, R1, R2, R3, R4, (R5)0-2, (R6)0-2, (Z1)0-1, (Z2)0-1, X1, X2 and n are defined the same as the specification. The reactive dyestuff of the present invention is suitable for exhaust dyeing, cold batch-up dyeing, continuous dyeing, printing and digital spray printing materials that contain hydroxyl group or amino group fibers.
US08293875B2
This invention relates to modified IGF-II binding domains of the Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 Receptor (IGF2R) which have enhanced binding affinity for IGF-II relative to the wild type IGF-II binding domain. Suitable IGF-II binding domains may be modified, for example, by substituting residue E1544 for a non-acidic residue. These modified domains may be useful in the sequestration of Insulin-like Growth Factor II (IGF-II), for example, in the treatment of cancer.
US08293873B2
The invention relates to a combination of a solution of a gelatin derivative and at least one amino acid, if desired in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or carboxylic acid derivative, for inhibiting renal uptake of substances, that are potentially damaging for the kidneys, in a living being.
US08293868B2
A family of insecticidal polypeptides expressed in the venom gland of spiders of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche have been described. Also included are polynucleotides and expression vectors encoding the polypeptides and insect viruses and cells expressing the polypeptides. Transgenic plants and insects expressing the insecticidal polypeptides are also described. The insecticidal polypeptides may be employed in methods and compositions for treating insects, insect larvae, and plants.
US08293859B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a class of butene/α-olefin block interpolymers. The butene/α-olefin inter-polymers are characterized by an average block index, ABI, which is greater than zero and up to about 1.0 and a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.3. Preferably, the block index is from about 0.2 to about 1. In addition or alternatively, the block butene/α-olefin interpolymer is characterized by having at least one fraction obtained by Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation (‘TREF’), wherein the fraction has a block index greater than about 0.3 and up to about 1.0 and the butene/α-olefin interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, greater than about 1.4.
US08293858B1
Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic device materials. The materials contain a reactive macromer based on N-vinyl pyrrolidone.
US08293856B2
[Problem] To efficiently obtain an α-olefin polymer having a high melting point and a high molecular weight. [Solution to Problem] The process for preparing an olefin polymer of the present invention is a process for preparing an olefin polymer, comprising polymerizing at least one monomer selected from α-olefins of 2 or more carbon atoms, wherein the polymerization is carried out at a temperature of not lower than 40° C. in the presence of a catalyst comprising a transition metal compound component (A) which comprises two or more kinds of transition metal compounds (a) represented by the following formula [A1] and an organometallic compound component (B) which comprises an organometallic compound (b), propylene is contained in the monomer, and the olefin polymer is an olefin polymer whose weight-average molecular weight (Mw) and number-average molecular weight (Mn), as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), satisfy the relationship of 1≦(Mw/Mn)≦3, and which has a melting point (Tm), as determined by DSC, of not lower than 150° C. and an intrinsic viscosity ([η]) of not less than 1.5 dl/g.
US08293847B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a film-like adhesive capable of achieving a superior combination of processability and reflow resistance. A film-like adhesive of the present invention is used for bonding a semiconductor element to an adherend, and includes an adhesive layer comprising at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyurethaneimide resins, polyurethaneamideimide resins and polyurethaneimide-polyurethaneamideimide resins.
US08293840B2
There is provided a coating composition which comprises (A) a synthetic resin having functional group, (B) a stain-proofing component which is a liquid polydialkylsiloxane having functional group or a liquid fluoropolyether having functional group and (C) a curing agent, and the composition is excellent in a stain-proofing property, particularly removability of oily stain, thereby enabling scribbling to be easily wiped off, and is suitable for outdoor coating being excellent in weather resistance and adhesion.
US08293826B2
An aliphatic polyester resin composition of improved moisture resistance formed by adding a phosphoric or phosphorous acid ester having a basicity of at most 1.4 of a saturated aliphatic alcohol having 8-24 carbon atoms.
US08293820B2
A cationic electrodeposition coating composition comprising a cationic resin (A) and a blocked polyisocyanate (B) obtained by reaction between a polyisocyanate compound (b1) with two or more isocyanate groups, castor oil (b2) and a blocking agent (b3). The cationic electrodeposition coating composition has excellent throwing power, suitability for electrodeposition onto hot dip galvanized steel sheets, finished appearance and corrosion resistance.
US08293808B2
A flexible polyurethane foam prepared by reacting, in the presence of a blowing agent, a polyisocyanate with an active hydrogen-containing composition that includes a modified vegetable oil-based polyol. The foams exhibit good load-bearing properties, relatively high sag factors, and/or good color retention upon exposure to light.
US08293807B2
The invention relates to a process for producing rigid polyurethane foams by reacting a) polyisocyanates with b) compounds having at least two hydrogen atoms which are reactive toward isocyanate groups in the presence of c) blowing agents, wherein at least one graft polyol b1) which can be prepared by in-situ polymerization of olefinically unsaturated monomers in a polyether alcohol b1i), where the polyether alcohol b1i) has a functionality of from 2 to 4 and a hydroxyl number in the range from 100 to 250 mg KOH/g, its polyether chain comprises propylene oxide and up to 20% by weight, based on the polyether alcohol b1i), of ethylene oxide, and acrylonitrile and styrene in a weight ratio of acrylonitrile:styrene of from >1:1 to 4:1 are used as olefinically unsaturated monomers, is used as compounds having at least two hydrogen atoms which are reactive toward isocyanate groups b), and the reaction is carried out in the presence of at least one compound b1ii) which has at least one olefinic double bond and is miscible with the polyether alcohol b1i).
US08293802B2
Antimicrobial compositions having synergistic combinations of octoxyglycerin and at least one other antimicrobial agent in formulations which are more effective than prior art compositions without causing increased irritation to the skin of the average user. In certain embodiments, skin irritation may be minimized by low concentrations of antimicrobials and/or the presence of soothing compounds such as zinc. Preferred embodiments include combinations of octoxyglycerin, a quaternary compound, and at least one other antimicrobial agent. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is hypothesized that the unexpected antimicrobial effectiveness of combinations of octoxyglycerin may result from an enhancement of the permeability of microbes to antimicrobials caused by octoxyglycerin. Hydroalcoholic gel composition containing alcohol, water, hydrogel, and emollient or emulsifier, wherein the composition has a viscosity of below 2000 centipoises at between 20 and 40° C. This skin-friendly hydroalcoholic gel composition, which can be further combined with silicone polymer, emollient solvent, thickening agent and antimicrobial agent, enhances rapid and long-term antimicrobial efficacy.
US08293793B2
The present invention relates to propionic acid-comprising compositions in solid and essentially pure form comprising at least one compound according to formula (I) (Mn+)(H+)x(CH3CH2C(O)O−)(n+x) (I), where Mn+ is an n-valent alkali metal cation or alkaline earth metal cation, n being equal to 1 or 2; and x is a number in the range from 0.25 to 5; with the proviso that x is not in the range from 0.75 to 1.75 when Mn+ is potassium; a method for producing such propionic acid-comprising compositions; and also the use of such compositions as silage additive, preservative, acidifier, food supplement, feedstuff or feedstuff additive for animal feed.
US08293781B2
A compound, or its salt, or a solvate thereof having a cPLA2 inhibiting activity having the formula (I): or a pharmaceutical composition, cPLA2 inhibitor and inhibitors of various lipid mediator production containing the same as active ingredients.
US08293779B2
The present invention relates to the field of human health, and more particularly to the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with mazindol. The latter can be administered as monotherapy or in combination with one or more compounds, including psychostimulants, for the indication of ADHD and associated or co-morbid symptoms.
US08293778B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating an HIV-I infection with a compound according to formula I where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, are as defined herein.
US08293777B2
A compound having the structure wherein R is an angiotensin receptor antagonist active group, and Y is Y is selected from the group consisting of R1 is selected from the group consisting of —O—C1-6 alkyl, —O-aryl, —O-heteroaryl, —O—C3-8 cycloalkyl, —C1-6 alkyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, and —C3-8 cycloalkyl; R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-4 alkyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, which is useful for treating hypertension.
US08293757B2
The invention provides compounds of formula (1) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, which are useful as protein kinase inhibitors, as well as methods for using such compounds to treat, ameliorate or prevent a condition associated with abnormal or deregulated kinase activity. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for using such compounds to treat, ameliorate or prevent diseases or disorders that involve abnormal activation of c-kit, PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, CSF1R, AbI, BCR-AbI, CSK, JNK1, JNK2, p38, p70S6K, TGFβ, SRC, EGFR, trkB, FGFR3. Fes, Lck, Syk, RAF, MKK4, MKK6, SAPK2β, BRK, Fms, KDR, c-rapor b-raf kinases.
US08293755B2
The invention relates generally to treatment of muscle pain and/or fatigue and to methods of treatment of side effects of statin therapy which involve the administration of uridine, biological precursors or derivatives or uridine or salts, esters, tautomers or analogues thereof, which are collectively referred to as uridine related compounds. The invention is also directed to compositions, uses and combination packs or kits related to the treatment method.
US08293742B2
The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for preferential vasoconstriction of smaller blood vessels relative to larger blood vessels. The compositions comprise highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, at low concentrations, such as below 0.05% weight by volume. The compositions preferably comprise brimonidine. The compositions preferably have pH between about 5.5 and about 6.5.
US08293735B2
Thienopyrimidines of formula (I) wherein W and R1 to R4 are as defined in the claims, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are inhibitors of PI3K and are selective for the p110δ isoform, which is a class Ia PI3 kinase, over both other class Ia and class Ib kinases. The compounds may be used to treat diseases and disorders arising from abnormal cell growth, function or behavior associated with PI3 kinase such as cancer, immune disorders, cardiovascular disease, viral infection, inflammation, metabolism/endocrine function disorders and neurological disorders.
US08293732B2
The present invention relates to novel substituted quinoline derivatives according to the general Formula (Ia) or Formula (Ib): including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, a N-oxide thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof. The claimed compounds are useful for the treatment of a bacterial infection. Also claimed is a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and, as active ingredient, a therapeutically effective amount of the claimed compounds, the use of the claimed compounds or compositions for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a bacterial infection and a process for preparing the claimed compounds.
US08293725B2
Compounds of the formula, A-L-B, wherein A is glutamate or a glutamate analog; L is a phosphoramidate or a phosphoramidate analog; and B is serine or a serine analog are described which are potent inhibitors of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PMSA). Such compounds are useful in treatment of prostate cancer; and when chemically attached to a fluorescent dye, can efficiently and selectively label prostate cancer cells for fluorescent imaging.
US08293710B2
The invention relates to a method for treatment of wound healing, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment with an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising amino acid sequence or a conservative variant thereof having EGF-like domain of thrombomodulin. The invention also relates to a composition for the use of accelerating wound healing, comprising a polypeptide comprising amino acid sequence or a conservative variant thereof having EGF-like domain of thrombomodulin.
US08293707B2
The invention provides novel heterodimeric fusion proteins comprising a first polypeptide including an alpha subunit of FSH (αFSH) linked directly or indirectly to a binding partner of neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and a second polypeptide including a beta subunit of FSH (βFSH) linked directly or indirectly to an FcRn binding partner. In one embodiment the FcRn binding partner includes an Fc fragment of an immunoglobulin, e.g., an Fc fragment of IgG. Also provided are methods making and using the fusion proteins of the invention. The invention provides a method for increasing fertility in a subject and a method for treating a subject having a disease state responsive to treatment by FSH.
US08293706B2
The invention relates to the use of the souluble LDL receptor (sLDLR) in viral hepatitis.
US08293705B2
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US08293704B2
The present invention relates to crystalline forms of linaclotide, as well as to various methods and processes for the preparation and use of the crystalline forms.
US08293703B2
The invention is directed to methods of treating conditions requiring removal or destruction of harmful or unwanted cells in a patient, such as benign and malignant tumors, using compounds containing or based on peptides comprising a part of the amino acid sequence of a neural thread protein.
US08293698B2
Disclosed are detergent mixtures of alkyl aryl sulfonates of alkaline earth metals derived from linear olefins having a relatively high aryl ring attached on positions 1 or 2 or the linear alkyl chains. The compositions contain a relatively high amount of 1 or 2 tolyl or xylyl isomer of the linear alkylaryl sulfonate and employ a heavy alkyl benzene sulfonate derived from linear olefins and exhibit improved stability and compatibility.
US08293695B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at one photocatalyst and at least one azo dyestuff and/or at least one triphenylmethane dyestuff, which produces in the CIElab color coordinate system a relative hue angle of 220-320°, to a detergent composition, a fabric softener composition as well as to a shading.
US08293694B2
A semiconductor wafer cleaning formulation, including 1-35% wt. fluoride source, 20-60% wt. organic amine(s), 0.1-40% wt. nitrogenous component, e.g., a nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid or an imine, 20-50% wt. water, and 0-21% wt. metal chelating agent(s). The formulations are useful to remove residue from wafers following a resist plasma ashing step, such as inorganic residue from semiconductor wafers containing delicate copper interconnecting structures.
US08293691B2
The present invention relates to metal processing lubricant compositions that are based on polyhydrocarbyl esters of aliphatic polyols, in particular tetrahydrocarbyl esters of pentaerythritol, wherein at least one hydrocarbyl group of the tetrahydrocarbyl ester comprises 6-14 carbon atoms and the other hydrocarbyl groups comprise 6-20 carbon atoms. The compositions are in particular suitable for metal forming operations, e.g. a cold rolling operation, a hot rolling operation or a drawing operation, and metal removing operations, e.g. grinding, milling, cutting, turning and honing.
US08293690B2
The invention relates to dispersions comprising I) at least one polymer that is effective for mineral oils as a cold extrusion improver and is soluble in oil, II) at least one organic solvent that cannot be mixed with water, III) water, IV) at least one alkanolamine salt of a polycyclic carboxylic acid as a dispersing agent, and V) possibly at least one organic solvent that can be mixed with water.
US08293684B2
The present invention relates to labeling kits containing novel non-natural nucleotide monomers and to methods of making and using such compounds. The invention further relates to a method of detecting the presence of a nucleic acid, e.g., RNA, of interest in a sample, the method having the following steps: providing the sample; ligating a nucleic acid of interest with a labeling reagent according to the instant invention; providing a nucleic acid array having probes directed to the nucleic acid of interest; hybridizing the labeled nucleic acid fragments to said nucleic acid array; and determining the extent of hybridization to said probes to determine the presence of the nucleic acid of interest.
US08293670B2
A process for catalyst regeneration is presented. The process regenerates a catalyst in a paraffin dehydrogenation process, where the reaction is endothermic. The regeneration process provides the heat for the process through heating the catalyst and removes the need for a charge heater to the dehydrogenation reactor, which in turn eliminates high temperature thermal residence time which eliminates thermal cracking of the feed and improves the overall product selectivity. In addition, plot area, equipment costs and operating complexity are reduced.
US08293667B2
It is an object of the invention to provide a ceramic sintered body that has a dense structure and minimal cracking and that exhibits excellent sliding properties even in a non-lubricated state, as well as a process for its production and sliding parts that employ the same. According to a preferred mode, the sintered body of the invention comprises silicon carbide as the parent material and further contains a solid lubricant A with a mean particle size of no greater than 5 μm and a solid lubricant B with a mean particle size of 10-70 μm.
US08293666B2
A bonded structure for use in a garment, comprising at least two mutually interbonded interlining fabrics, wherein the interlining fabrics each include warp yarns and weft yarns and wherein the interlining fabrics are next to each other, such that the structure has high shape stability even after repeated washing and drying operations, wherein the warp yarns of the first interlining fabric are at least partly in a parallel arrangement with the warp yarns of a second interlining fabric, or in that part of the warp yarns of a first interlining fabric are oriented at an angle in the range from 45 ° to 90 ° in relation to the warp yarns of a second interlining fabric.
US08293665B2
An antiballistic article comprising a plurality of fabric layers of fibers with a strength of at least 1100 MPa according to ASTM D-885 is proposed, whereby there are at least two groups of areas with different textile densities within at least one fabric layer. Areas of a first group have a textile density of 8% to 31% according to Walz and areas of a second group have a textile density of 32% to 80% according to Walz.
US08293651B2
A method of forming a thin film pattern includes: forming a thin film on a substrate; forming an amorphous carbon layer including first and second carbon layers on the thin film, wherein the first carbon layer is formed by one of a spin-on method and a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method and the second carbon layer is formed by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method; forming a hard mask layer on the amorphous carbon layer; forming a PR pattern on the hard mask layer; forming a hard mask pattern by etching the hard mask layer using the PR pattern as an etch mask; forming an amorphous carbon pattern including first and second carbon patterns by etching the amorphous carbon layer using the hard mask pattern as an etch mask; and forming a thin film pattern by etching the thin film using the amorphous carbon pattern.
US08293649B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure on a wafer includes providing an etcher having an electrostatic chuck (ESC); and placing the wafer on the ESC. The wafer includes a conductive feature and a dielectric layer over the conductive feature. The method further includes forming and patterning a photo resist over the wafer; and etching the dielectric layer to form a via opening in the wafer using the etcher. An ashing is performed to the photo resist to remove the photo resist. An oxygen neutralization is performed to the wafer. A de-chuck step is performed to release the wafer from the ESC.
US08293645B2
A photovoltaic cell manufacturing method is disclosed. Methods include manufacturing a photovoltaic cell having a selective emitter and buried contact (electrode) structure utilizing nanoimprint technology. The methods include providing a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; forming a first doped region in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the first surface; performing a nanoimprint process and an etching process to form a trench in the semiconductor substrate, the trench extending into the semiconductor substrate from the first surface; forming a second doped region in the semiconductor substrate within the trench, the second doped region having a greater doping concentration than the first doped region; and filling the trench with a conductive material. The nanoimprint process uses a mold to define a location of an electrode line layout.
US08293643B2
A semiconductor device or a photovoltaic cell having a contact structure, which includes a silicon (Si) substrate; a metal alloy layer deposited on the silicon substrate; a metal silicide layer and a diffusion layer formed simultaneously from thermal annealing the metal alloy layer; and a metal layer deposited on the metal silicide and barrier layers.
US08293630B2
The present invention concerns new methods of fabricating a silicon material comprising phosphorus. The methods allow high levels of phosphorus to be combined with the silicon. In one aspect of the invention a sample of phosphorus is surrounded with a sample of silicon. At least some of the phosphorus is then vaporised and caused to interact with the silicon.
US08293626B2
It is an object to provide a homogeneous semiconductor film in which variation in the size of crystal grains is reduced. Alternatively, it is an object to provide a homogeneous semiconductor film and to achieve cost reduction. By introducing a glass substrate over which an amorphous semiconductor film is formed into a treatment atmosphere set at more than or equal to a temperature that is needed for crystallization, rapid heating due to heat conduction from the treatment atmosphere is performed so that the amorphous semiconductor film is crystallized. More specifically, for example, after the temperature of the treatment atmosphere is increased in advance to a temperature that is needed for crystallization, the substrate over which the semiconductor film is formed is put into the treatment atmosphere.
US08293621B2
The present invention provides a semiconductor substrate, which comprises a singlecrystalline Si substrate which includes an active layer having a channel region, a source region, and a drain region, the singlecrystalline Si substrate including at least a part of a device structure not containing a well-structure or a channel stop region; a gate insulating film formed on the singlecrystalline Si substrate; a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film; a LOCOS oxide film whose thickness is more than a thickness of the gate insulating film, the LOCOS oxide film being formed on the singlecrystalline Si substrate by surrounding the active layer; and an insulating film formed over the gate electrode and the LOCOS oxide film. On this account, on fabricating the semiconductor device having a high-performance integration system by forming the non-singlecrystalline Si semiconductor element and the singlecrystalline Si semiconductor element on the large insulating substrate, the process for making the singlecrystalline Si is simplified. Further, the foregoing arrangement provides a semiconductor substrate and a fabrication method thereof, which ensures device isolation of the minute singlecrystalline Si semiconductor element without highly-accurate photolithography, when the singlecrystalline Si semiconductor element is transferred onto the large insulating substrate.
US08293614B2
An LDMOS device includes a substrate having a surface and a gate electrode overlying the surface and defining a channel region in the substrate below the gate electrode. A drain region is spaced apart from the channel region by an isolation region. The isolation region includes a region of high tensile stress and is configured to induce localized stress in the substrate in close proximity to the drain region. The region of high tensile stress in the isolation region can be formed by high-stress silicon oxide or high-stress silicon nitride. In a preferred embodiment, the isolation region is a shallow trench isolation region formed in the substrate intermediate to the gate electrode and the drain region.
US08293608B2
An intermediate product in the manufacture of a vertical multiple-channel FET device containing alternating —Si—[(SiGe)—Si]u- stacked layers is shown, as well as a process for selectively etching the SiGe layers in such a stacked layer system, and products obtained from such selective etching. Differential Ge content is added to the successive layers to provide uniform removal of the sacrificial SiGe layers.
US08293607B2
Techniques for increasing conductivity of graphene films by chemical doping are provided. In one aspect, a method for increasing conductivity of a graphene film includes the following steps. The graphene film is formed from one or more graphene sheets. The graphene sheets are exposed to a solution having a one-electron oxidant configured to dope the graphene sheets to increase a conductivity thereof, thereby increasing the overall conductivity of the film. The graphene film can be formed prior to the graphene sheets being exposed to the one-electron oxidant solution. Alternatively, the graphene sheets can be exposed to the one-electron oxidant solution prior to the graphene film being formed. A method of fabricating a transparent electrode on a photovoltaic device from a graphene film is also provided.
US08293600B2
Memory devices and methods for manufacturing are described herein. A memory device as described herein includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a thermal isolation structure including a layer of thermal isolation material between the first and second electrode layers. The first and second electrode layers and the thermal isolation structure define a multi-layer stack having a sidewall. A sidewall conductor layer including a sidewall conductor material is on the sidewall of the multi-layer stack. The sidewall conductor material has an electrical conductivity greater than that of the thermal isolation material. A memory element including memory material is on and in contact with the second electrode layer.
US08293599B2
A semiconductor device that has a dual gate having different work functions is simply formed by using a selective nitridation. A gate insulating layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate including a first region and a second region, on which devices having different threshold voltages are to be formed. A diffusion inhibiting material is selectively injected into the gate insulating layer in one of the first region and the second region. A diffusion layer is formed on the gate insulating layer. A work function controlling material is directly diffused from the diffusion layer to the gate insulating layer using a heat treatment, wherein the gate insulting layer is self-aligned capped with the selectively injected diffusion inhibiting material so that the work function controlling material is diffused into the other of the first region and the second region. The gate insulating layer is entirely exposed by removing the diffusion layer. A gate electrode layer is formed on the exposed gate insulating layer. A first gate and a second gate having different work functions are respectively formed in the first region and the second region by etching the gate electrode layer and the gate insulating layer.
US08293598B2
A bipolar selection transistor and a circuitry MOS transistor for a memory device are formed in a semiconductor body. The bipolar selection transistor is formed by implanting a buried collector, implanting a base region on the buried collector, forming a silicide protection mask on the semiconductor body, and implanting an emitter region and a control contact region. The circuitry MOS transistor is formed by defining a gate on the semiconductor body, forming lateral spacers on the sides of the gate and implanting source and drain regions on the sides of the lateral spacers. Then, a silicide region is formed on the emitter, base contact, source and drain regions and the gate, in a self-aligned way. The lateral spacers are multilayer structures including at least two different layers, one of which is used to form the silicide protection mask on the bipolar selection transistor. Thereby, the dimensions of the lateral spacers are decoupled from the thickness of the silicide protection mask.
US08293592B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method including: (a) loading into a chamber a substrate having at least an exposed silicon surface and an exposed surface of silicon oxide film or silicon nitride film on a substrate surface; (b) simultaneously supplying at least a first process gas containing silicon and a second process gas for etching into the chamber when the substrate inside the chamber is heated to a predetermined temperature; and (c) supplying into the chamber a third process gas having an etchability higher than the second process gas etchability. Steps (b) and (c) are performed at least once to selectively grow an epitaxial film on the exposed silicon surface of the substrate surface. A temperature of the substrate is maintained at the predetermined temperature from (b) to (c), and the temperature of the substrate is temporarily elevated above the predetermined temperature and then returned to the predetermined temperature in (c).
US08293591B2
A field effect transistor for detecting an analyte having a thiol group includes a substrate, a source region and a drain region formed apart from each other on the substrate, the source region and the drain region being doped such that a polarity of the source and drain region is opposite to a polarity of the substrate, a channel region disposed between the source region and the drain region, an insulating layer formed of an electrically insulating material and disposed on the channel region, a gold layer disposed on the insulating layer and a reference electrode disposed apart from the gold layer.
US08293588B2
A method of packaging an electronic device includes providing a patterned dielectric layer with an area sized to receive a first die, and another area sized to receive a second die, placing the first and second dies within the first and second areas, encapsulating the dies with an encapsulating material that has a different composition from the dielectric layer, forming a first signal line between the dies, forming a second signal line to the first die, and forming an additional signal line to the first die. The dielectric layer is disposed between the first signal line and the encapsulating material, the electronic device transmits a signal in an approximate range of 1 GHz to 100 GHz along the second signal line, and a signal that does not exceed approximately 900 MHz along the additional signal line.
US08293575B2
The reliability of a semiconductor device is improved. A sealing resin (sealed body) is formed between a sub-substrate (first base member) and a base substrate (second base member) that are provided individually and distinctly to be integrated therewith, and then, the sub-substrate is electrically coupled to the second base member. As a means for electrically coupling the sub-substrate to the base substrate, lands (first lands) formed on the sub-substrate and lands (second lands) formed on the base substrate are disposed such that the respective positions thereof are aligned. After through holes are formed from the lands of the sub-substrate toward the lands of the base substrate, a solder member (conductive member) is formed in each of the through holes.
US08293564B2
A thin film transistor substrate includes a color filter layer and a gate line. The color filter layer has a reverse taper shape, which is used to pattern the gate line without a separate mask. Thus, the total number of masks used to manufacture the thin film transistor substrate can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and improving the productivity.
US08293561B2
There is provided an image pickup device, including a photoelectric conversion element converting light into charges, a transfer gate for transferring the converted charges to a floating node, a source follower transistor for outputting a signal based on a voltage of the floating node to a signal line, and a clip circuit clipping the signal line at a first voltage and a second voltage.
US08293558B2
The present disclosure relates to methods for selectively etching a porous semiconductor layer to separate a thin-film semiconductor substrate (TFSS) having planar or three-dimensional features from a corresponding semiconductor template. The method involves forming a conformal sacrificial porous semiconductor layer on a template. Next, a conformal thin film silicon substrate is formed on top of the porous silicon layer. The middle porous silicon layer is then selectively etched to separate the TFSS and semiconductor template. The disclosed advanced etching chemistries and etching methods achieve selective etching with minimal damage to the TFSS and template.
US08293557B2
A method for manufacturing a MEMS device, includes: preparing a substrate provided with a first substrate in which a cavity is formed, and a second substrate that is bonded to a side of the first substrate on which the cavity is formed and includes a slit to delimit a movable portion in a position corresponding to the cavity, the second substrate, including a first surface thereof facing the first substrate, being provided with a thermally-oxidized film selectively formed on the first surface in a position corresponding to the movable portion; forming a first electrode layer on a second surface opposite to the first surface on which the thermally-oxidized film for the movable portion is formed; forming a sacrifice layer on the first electrode layer and the second substrate; forming a second electrode layer on the sacrifice layer; and removing the sacrifice layer and the thermally-oxidized film after the second electrode layer is formed.
US08293551B2
A gallium and nitrogen containing optical device has a base region and no more than three major planar side regions configured in a triangular arrangement provided from the base region.
US08293538B2
The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.
US08293531B1
Disclosed are three-dimensional (3D) systems as may be utilized for ex vivo tissue or cell growth and development. A system generally includes a base material and at least one wicking fiber embedded therein through which a liquid can be spontaneously drawn by capillary action. Wicking fibers can define a plurality of colinear channels along the exterior surface of the axial length of the fiber. Wicking fibers can be present in disclosed systems as individual fibers or in bundles. Disclosed systems can be useful in various scientific studies, including, but not limited to, drug discovery, vaccine development, cell biology studies, and biomaterial development.
US08293525B2
Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.
US08293521B2
It is intended to easily dispense a minute amount of nonvolatile liquid. In a preferred embodiment, in dispensing of mineral oil (nonvolatile liquid), dispensing is conducted in the condition that the amount of air contained in a tip (70) is small by aspirating a larger amount of mineral oil (40) than a single dispensing amount in the tip (70) of a nozzle (28).
US08293512B2
A polypeptide according to the present invention includes: an altered polypeptide obtained by altering an ArgRS, a CysRS, a MetRS, a GlnRS, a GluRS, a LysRS, a TyrRS, or a TrpRS so that an unnatural amino acid is recognized; and an editing polypeptide derived from a PheRS, a LeuRS, an IleRS, a ValRS, an AlaRS, a ProRS, or a ThrRS, the editing polypeptide having been either inserted between a Rossman-fold N domain and a Rossman-fold C domain that exist in the altered polypeptide, or bound to an N terminal of the altered polypeptide. Thus provided are a new aaRS that exhibits high substrate specificity to an unnatural amino acid and a technique that involves the use of such an aaRS.
US08293509B2
The invention relates to biological processes for producing one or more desired products, including alcohols such as ethanol and butanol. The processes comprise carrying out first and second fermentations of substrates in first and second bioreactors, wherein each fermentation produces one or more desired products and/or one or more by-products that can be utilized in the other fermentation. A product and/or by-product of the first fermentation is introduced to the second bioreactor during the fermentation, and a product and/or by-product of the second fermentation is introduced to the first bioreactor during the fermentation.
US08293506B2
The present invention provides a bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which is able to produce L-cysteine and has been modified to increase the activity of the protein encoded by the dsbA gene. This bacterium is cultured in a medium, and L-cysteine, L-cystine, a derivative or precursor thereof or a mixture thereof can be collected from the medium.
US08293502B2
Compositions and methods of use are disclosed for clonally amplifying target polynucleotide sequences in solution and attaching the amplicons to a surface by activation of a masked binding moiety. In an embodiment, the amplicons comprise the masked binding moiety and the surface comprises a binding partner of the binding moiety. Upon activation of the binding moiety, the amplicons bind to the binding partner on the surface. In a non-limiting example, the masked binding moiety is caged biotin or caged fluorescein, while the corresponding binding partner is avidin or an anti-fluorescein antibody.
US08293501B2
Methods and compositions for performing low background multiplex nucleic acid amplification reactions are provided. Aspects of the invention include contacting a nucleic acid sample with two or more primer pairs for two or more target nucleic acids under template dependent primer extension reaction conditions, e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions. The resultant amplified composition is then contacted with target nucleic acid circularizing reagents, and product circularized target nucleic acids are then selected, e.g., for further amplification. Also provided are systems and kits that find use in practicing embodiments of the inventions.
US08293498B2
The present invention provides methods for the generation of viable reoviruses using only cloned nucleic acid segments representing the RNA segments of the reovirus genome.
US08293485B2
The invention provides methods for multiplex analysis of biological samples of formalin-fixed tissue samples. The invention provides for a method to achieve a multiplexed, multi-staged plurality of Liquid Tissue preparations simultaneously from a single histopathologically processed biological sample, where the protocol for each Liquid Tissue preparation imparts a distinctive set of biochemical effects on biomolecules procured from histopathologically processed biological samples and which when each of the preparations is analyzed can render additive and complementary data about the same histopathologically processed biological sample.
US08293482B2
A protein scaffold based on a consensus sequence of the tenth fibronectin type III (FN3) repeat from human fibronectin, including isolated nucleic acids that encode a protein scaffold, vectors, host cells, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices. In particular, protein scaffold molecules binding to IgG based on the consensus sequence have been identified as useful for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications.
US08293466B2
Primers have been isolated that are diagnostic for the detection of the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). The primers are based on a new portion of the WSSV genome and may be used in primer directed amplification or nucleic acid hybridization assay methods.
US08293458B2
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing fine patterns of semiconductor devices using a double exposure patterning process for manufacturing the second photoresist patterns by simply exposing without an exposure mask. The method comprises the steps of: forming a first photoresist pattern on a semiconductor substrate on which a layer to be etched is formed; coating a composition for a mirror interlayer on the first photoresist pattern to form a mirror interlayer; forming a photoresist layer on the resultant; and forming a second photoresist pattern which is made by a scattered reflection of the mirror-interlayer and positioned between the first photoresist patterns, by exposing the photoresist layer to a light having energy which is lower than a threshold energy (Eth) of the photoresist layer without an exposure mask, and then developing the same.
US08293440B2
The present invention provides a white toner for electrostatic image development, including a binder resin, a first white pigment and a second white pigment, the specific gravity D1 of the first white pigment satisfies the relationship of about 3.5
US08293439B2
An electrophotographic photoreceptor including a conductive substrate, a photosensitive layer, and a surface layer, which satisfies the following inequations: 0.005
US08293429B2
The present invention relates to a method of making fuel cell devices. A stack structure is formed having plural ceramic layers, anode layers, cathode layers, and sacrificial layers, where the sacrificial layers are sized to provide internal gas passages. Removable structures are placed in contact with the sacrificial layers and extend to an edge. After laminating the stacked structure, the removable structures are pulled out to form bake-out paths that facilitate removal of the sacrificial material during a heating step, which paths are later sealed.
US08293428B2
A gas diffusion electrode material of the present invention includes: a porous body (1) formed of continuous and discontinuous polytetrafluoroethylene microfibers (2) and having three-dimensionally continuous micropores (4); and a conductive material (3) supported on the porous body (1). Moreover, a density of the polytetrafluoroethylene microfiber (2) is lower in a surface region (1A) of a cross section of the porous body (1) than in an intermediate region (1B) of the cross section. In accordance with the present invention, the polytetrafluoroethylene having the predetermined three-dimensional structure is used, and so on. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gas diffusion electrode material excellent in power generation characteristics and durability.
US08293427B2
A separator unit is inserted between adjacent stacked fuel cells, in each of which an electrolyte layer is sandwiched between a fuel electrode and an oxygen electrode. The separator unit includes a sheet-shaped gas barrier member, which blocks a gas, and a collector, which is inserted between the gas barrier member and the fuel electrode or the oxygen electrode and which is provided with a plurality of openings that diffuse the gas. The collector is provided with an electrode contact portion, which is made up of a flat, porous panel that is in contact with the fuel electrode or the oxygen electrode and collects power, and a gas barrier member contact portion, which is made up of a linear piece that forms a gas flow route by being in contact with the gas barrier member and supports the electrode contact portion. A height dimension of the gas barrier member contact portion is smaller than an equivalent diameter of an opening in the electrode contact portion.
US08293422B2
A fuel cell system (1) is provided, especially for a motor vehicle, with a fuel cell stack (2), which has a plurality of fuel cell elements (3). The elements (3) are stacked up one upon the other in which an electrolyte separates an anode space from a cathode space. A risk of damage is reduced during heating by a bracing housing (4), which accommodates the fuel cell stack (2) in its interior (5) and which has a pot part (6) and a cover part (7), which are or can be prestressed (with compressive force) towards one another by means of pulling elements (8) and which are supported in the interior (5) by mutually opposite front sides (10) of the fuel cell stack (2).
US08293419B2
In a method for preparing a hydrogen absorbing electrode, a hydrogen absorbing alloy which contains a rare earth element as an alloy constituent and a transition metal element is immersed in an aqueous alkaline solution so that the saturation mass susceptibility is 1.0 to 6.5 emu/g of the hydrogen absorbing alloy. The hydrogen absorbing alloy is mixed through the immersing step with an oxide or hydroxide of a rare earth element wherein the oxide or hydroxide has as a main component at least one element selected from the group consisting of Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. Then, a mixture of the hydrogen absorbing alloy and the oxide or hydroxide of the rare earth element is applied to form a desired shape.
US08293406B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode employs a positive electrode active material wherein oxide containing Al and/or hydroxide containing Al having a protruding-shape is uniformly distributed and adhered to the surface of a positive electrode active material particle.
US08293396B2
The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell comprises a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material composed of a lithium transition metal composite oxide, a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material composed of carbon material, a non-aqueous electrolyte solution, and an outer body in which the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the non-aqueous electrolyte solution are housed; the mass of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution per cell capacity of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell is 10.0 to 12.0 g/Ah; and the volume of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution per void volume in the outer body is 70 to 85%.
US08293385B2
Organic electronic devices comprising a phthalimide compound. The phthalimide compounds disclosed herein are electron transporters with large HOMO-LUMO gaps, high triplet energies, large reduction potentials, and/or thermal and chemical stability. As such, these phthalimide compounds are suitable for use in any of various organic electronic devices, such as OLEDs and solar cells. In an OLED, the phthalimide compounds may serve various functions, such as a host in the emissive layer, as a hole blocking material, or as an electron transport material. In a solar cell, the phthalimide compounds may serve various functions, such as an exciton blocking material. Various examples of phthalimide compounds which may be suitable for use in the present invention are disclosed.
US08293384B2
An organic compound is an acenaphtho[1,2-k]benzo[e]acephenanthrene derivative represented by general formula (1): where R1 and R2 are each independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group.
US08293370B2
Disclosed is a solder material which enables to realize a lower mounting temperature when an electronic component is mounted. Also disclosed are a solder paste and a conductive adhesive. Specifically disclosed is a solder material having a basic composition composed of Sn, Bi and In. This solder material may further contain at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ge and Ni. A solder paste which enables to realize a low-temperature mounting can be obtained by blending a flux component into the solder material. A conductive adhesive which enables to realize a low-temperature mounting can be obtained by blending a resin component into the solder material.
US08293367B2
Nano-constructscomprising nanoshells and methods of using the nano-constructs for treating or ameliorating a medical condition are provided.
US08293365B2
The present invention relates to a conductive particle, a conductive adhesive with the conductive particles, a LCD panel with the conductive adhesive, a method of manufacturing of the conductive particle and a method of manufacturing of the conductive adhesive. The conductive particle comprising an outer coating layer of graphite and an inner core of an organic resin enclosed by the outer coating layer, and therefore the conductive particles can have good conductivity as well as good strength and elasticity.
US08293361B2
A coated article which includes a cement fiberboard substrate and a radiation-curable coating system applied to the substrate. The coating system includes a latex polymer, one or more olefinic compounds and water, and may be provided in the form of one or more coating compositions that may be applied in one or more layers, wherein each of the coating compositions is preferably an aqueous composition, or can be mixed with another composition (e.g., on the substrate) to form an aqueous composition.
US08293351B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductive rubber belt wherein a variation in the electric resistance is decreased, in particular, in the belt circumferential direction so that high-quality images can be formed, and a process for producing the same. In order to achieve the object, in a case where on any single straight line extended in the belt circumferential direction, the maximum value of the molecular orientation ratio correction value MOR-C of the semiconductive rubber belt, the minimum value thereof, and the average thereof are set to satisfy a specified relationship.
US08293349B1
A dilatation balloon formed with at least one layer, the layer including at least one polymeric material and at least one material which is a heating medium, the heating medium sensitive to an electromagnetic field.
US08293345B1
A device housing is described. The device housing includes an aluminum alloy substrate and a compound corrosion resistant layer formed on the substrate. The compound corrosion resistant layer includes two crystalline films and a non-crystalline film formed between the crystalline films. One of the crystalline films is formed on the substrate. The crystalline film is a chromium-oxygen-nitrogen film or an aluminum-oxygen-nitrogen film. The non-crystalline film is an aluminum oxide film or a silicon dioxide film. A method for making the device housing is also described.
US08293339B2
The invention provides methods and apparatuses for making an artificial, amphiphilic bilayer using aqueous micro-droplets (1-1,000 um dia) in a water-immiscible solvent, wherein immediately surrounding each droplet is a monolayer of amphiphilic molecules; the general method comprising: juxtapositioning the droplets with a focused laser beam such that the monolayers merge to create a bilayer of the amphiphilic molecules between the droplets.
US08293338B2
A method of applying a protective coating over ink printed media in a digital printing engine whereby horizontally discharging ink jet nozzles arranged in a vertical array, discharging a protective coating onto the marked surface of media disposed on a belt in vertical disposition. The coated media is then transported vertically to an adjacent source of ultraviolet radiation for curing the protective coating.
US08293336B2
A method of producing a textile article having a localized finish is described. The method comprises providing a continuous supply of a textile substrate, providing an array of digital nozzles, supplying a finishing composition to the nozzles and selectively depositing the finishing composition from the nozzles in a series of droplets to deposit a first predetermined pattern of droplets on a selected area of the substrate to endow a functional characteristic on the selected areas. In this way, it is possible to ensure that only those areas receive the finishing composition that ultimately require it. Usage of valuable chemicals and process time can hereby be reduced.
US08293334B2
The invention relates to a method for a preliminary metallizing treatment of galvanized or zinc alloy-coated steel surfaces or joined metallic parts that at least partly have zinc surfaces, in a surface treatment encompassing several process steps. In the disclosed method, metallic coats of especially a maximum of 100 mg/m2 of molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, nickel, lead, tin, and/or preferably iron are produced on the treated zinc surfaces. Another embodiment of the invention relates to an uncoated or subsequently coated metallic part which has been subjected to the disclosed preliminary metallizing treatment as well as the use of such a part for making bodies during the production of automobiles, building ships, in the construction industry, and for manufacturing white products.
US08293331B2
A metal-coated polyimide film is excellent in long-term adhesion reliability, exhibits various dimensional stabilities, and is particularly suitable for FPC, COF and TAB applications. The metal-coated polyimide film comprises a non-thermoplastic polyimide film; and a metal layer being directly formed on one surface or both surfaces of the non-thermoplastic polyimide film without using an adhesive, wherein the non-thermoplastic polyimide film contains a non-thermoplastic polyimide resin having a thermoplastic polyimide block component.
US08293328B2
A method for depositing a refractory metal nitride barrier layer having a thickness of about 20 angstroms or less is provided. In one aspect, the refractory metal nitride layer is formed by introducing a pulse of a metal-containing compound followed by a pulse of a nitrogen-containing compound. The refractory metal nitride barrier layer provides adequate barrier properties and allows the grain growth of the first metal layer to continue across the barrier layer into the second metal layer thereby enhancing the electrical performance of the interconnect.
US08293327B2
The present invention provides a process for forming a strontium-containing thin film of a cyclopentadienyl-based strontium compound, which is in the liquid state at room temperature to 50° C., can be purified by distillation, present as a monomer, has high vapor pressure, and suitable for mass production. bis(propyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl)strontium is used as an Sr source to form a strontium-containing thin film such as a SrTiO3 film, a (Ba, Sr)TiO3 film by chemical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition.
US08293323B2
Metal solutions such as copper and nickel suitable for chemical solution deposition (CSD) are disclosed, and their manufacture into low resistivity thin metal films is disclosed. The films may be thermal processed at relatively low temperatures and may be co-fired with ultra low fire high K ceramic dielectrics.
US08293321B2
A fast hardening clear coating composition for repairing a clear coat/color coat finish or a pigmented mono-coat of a vehicle comprising a film forming binder and an organic liquid carrier, where the binder contains a hydroxyl polymer component comprising (A) hydroxyl-containing acrylic polymer, (B) at least one hydroxyl-terminated component selected from the group consisting of (1) an organic diol having the formula where R1 and R2 are individually selected from the group of hydrogen and an alkyl group having 1, 3-5 carbon atoms and (2) a hydroxyl terminated reaction product of trimethylol propane and a lactone; (C) an organic polyisocyanate crosslinking component, at least portion of which comprises a trimer of isophorone diisocyanate or hexamethylene diisocyanate and the composition further contains, a curing catalyst, of a dialkyl tin aliphatic carboxylate, a tertiary aliphatic mono or diamine, an aliphatic carboxylic acid, and optionally, a zinc or calcium organic acid salt in an effective amount such that the coating composition on curing at ambient temperatures is in a water spot free and sufficiently hard state for sanding or buffing within about 2 hours after application or on cool down when baked under normal conditions.
US08293312B2
A tomato composition obtained from tomato juice having the following composition in percentage by weight: dry residue>20% up to 99%, water<80% down to 1%; 100% being the sum of the two components, wherein the among of water insoluble solids in the dry residue ranges in percentage by weight from 18% to 70%.
US08293307B2
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.
US08293302B2
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-carcinogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, and milk products.
US08293300B2
An anhydrous flavor delivery composition comprising a water-insoluble component, a surfactant and an alcohol is provided. In addition, a method of making the anhydrous flavor delivery composition and a method of flavoring a beverage are provided.
US08293299B2
Containers and methods are provided for dispensing a liquid concentrate utilizing one or more desirable properties including a generally consistent discharge across a range of squeeze forces, a generally consistent discharge with the same force without significant dependence on the amount of liquid concentrate in the container, a substantially dripless or leak proof outlet opening, a jet that minimizes splashing when the liquid concentrate impacts a target liquid, and a jet that maximizes mixing between the liquid concentrate and the target liquid to produce a generally homogenous mixture without the use of extraneous utensils or shaking. Also provided are liquid beverage concentrates that can be cold filled during packaging while maintaining shelf stability for at least about three months at ambient temperatures. Concentrates are provided having low pH, with or without alcohol, and with buffers to allow for increased acid content at a selected pH.
US08293298B2
Method and device for treating meat products, in particular slaughtered poultry or parts thereof, in which an additive is added to the meat products.The meat products are mounted on product holders and conveyed an additive-adding device that treats the meat products with an additive. Thereafter, the meat products are further conveyed to a massaging device that massages the meat products.
US08293292B2
A Fraxinus excelsior seed extract that can be administered for therapeutic treatment of a subject, including a human, by blocking fat synthesis, activating PPAR-alpha, increasing hypoglycemic activity, reducing bodyweight, controlling fasting plasma insulin levels against hyperinsulinemia, and promoting insulin sensitivity and causing a beneficial acute insulinotropic effect. The Fraxinus excelsior seed extract includes, inter alia, an isolated compound (2S,3E,4S)2H-Pyran-4-acetic acid-3-ethylidene-2-[(6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3,4-dihydro-5-(methoxycarbonyl)methyl ester, commonly called excelside A, an isolated compound (2S,3E,4S) 2H-Pyran-4-acetic acid-3-ethylidene-2-[(6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3,4-dihydro-5-(methoxycarbonyl)2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl ester, commonly called excelside B, and the compounds GI5, GI3, nuzhenide, and oleoside dimethyl ester.
US08293280B2
A method for treatment of HIV infection includes administering at least one anti-HIV drug, such as a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, to a patient in need of such treatment and administering an extract from inflammatory tissue inoculated with vaccinia virus to the patient following the administration of the at least one anti-HIV drug. The extract maintains suppressive action on HIV replication, even if the administration of the anti-HIV drug is terminated.
US08293274B2
An objective of the present invention is to provide intestinal absorptive antitumor agents with an excellent intestinal absorptive effect by using injectable antitumor agents. In the intestinal absorptive pharmaceutical agents of the present invention, antitumor components that can be used only as injections are supported by hydroxyapatite particles.
US08293272B2
In a solid pharmaceutical preparation containing water-soluble salts of levothyroxine and/or liothyronine as active ingredients, the water activity of said pharmaceutical preparation is adjusted to values of below 0.4 and, preferably, 0.1 to 0.3, measured at room temperature.
US08293268B2
Provided are methods of treating pain, including neuropathic pain, in human and veterinary individuals. These methods employ locally administrable pharmaceutical gallium compositions, including pharmaceutical gallium compositions suitable for administration to the skin and mucous membranes. The compositions comprise pharmaceutically acceptable gallium compounds, such as gallium maltolate or gallium nitrate, together with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers suitable for local administration, including those suitable for topical administration. The administration of such compositions provides relief from pain, itching, allodynia, hyperalgesia, and related symptoms.
US08293266B2
Disclosed is the continuous supplementation of poultry feeding stuffs with paromomycin and the resulting effects of prophylaxis against histomoniasis, ensuing decrease of mortality and the reduction of horizontal spreading of the disease. Also observed are improved zoo-technical performances, increase in weight gain and feed efficiency, both in healthy as well as diseased birds.
US08293260B2
Implantable medical devices with elastomeric copolymer coatings are disclosed.
US08293255B2
The invention relates to novel biodegradable materials based on modified polyamino acids and suitable, in particular, for vectoring active substance(s) (AS). Said invention also relates to novel pharmaceutical, cosmetic, dietary or plant protective compositions which are based on said polyamino acids.The aim of said invention is to provide a novel polymer raw material usable for vectoring the AS and capable to optimally meet all specification in this area: biocompatibility, biodegradability, ability to become easily associated with many active substances or to solubilize them and to release said active substances in vivo. The aim is attained to 30 carbon atoms.Said polyglutamates modified by histidine derivatives are soluble with pH lower than 5 and are easily and economically convertible into active substance vectorization particles which are able to form stable aqueous colloidal suspensions. On the contrary, said modified polyglutamates are insoluble in water with a physiological pH (7.4), and thereby have to be precipitated on an injection site in the case of a subcutaneous injection.
US08293254B2
The invention concerns the production of salts or chelates of methyl donors, in particular S-adenosyl-L-methionine or SAMe and betaine or N,N,N-trimethylglycine, with phytic acid or with phosphorylate inositol, possibly partially salified with metal cations, with the formation of stable, totally natural, compounds having a biological activity typical of the starting methyl donors and also combined with, and enhanced by, the biological activity typical of phytic acid or of inositol.The invention also concerns nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, dietary, phytopharmaceutical or veterinary compositions comrising one or more salts or complexes of methyl donors with phytic acid or its derivatives and the method for the synthesis thereof.
US08293248B2
This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.
US08293247B2
The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.
US08293246B2
This invention provides a method of using red yeast rice fermented product to treat a subject having a disease caused by dengue virus. In one embodiment, the red yeast rice is prepared with the yeast Monascus purpureus.
US08293241B2
The invention provides anti-FGF19 antibodies, and compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies, methods using anti-FGF19 antibodies, and methods comprising detection of FGF19 and/or FGFR4.
US08293233B2
Polypeptides with desirable biophysical properties such as solubility, stability, high expression, monomericity, binding specificity or non-aggregation, including monomeric human VHs and VLs, are identified using a high throughput method for screening polypeptides, comprising the steps of obtaining a phage display library, allowing infection of a bacterial lawn by the library phage, and identifying phage which form larger than average plaques on the bacterial lawn. Sequences of monomeric human VHs and VLs are identified, which may be useful for immunotherapy or as diagnostic agents. Multimer complexes of human VHs and VLs are also identified. The VHs and VLs identified may be used to create further libraries for identifying additional polypeptides. Further, the VHs and VLs may be subjected to DNA shuffling to select for improved biophysical properties.
US08293229B2
Compositions of the present invention, comprising at least one digestive enzyme (e.g., pancrelipase) are useful for treating or preventing disorders associated with digestive enzyme deficiencies. The compositions of the present invention can comprise a plurality of coated particles, each of which is comprised of a core coated with an enteric coating comprising at least one enteric polymer and 4-10% of at least one alkalinizing agent, or have moisture contents of about 3% or less, water activities of about 0.6 or less, or exhibit a loss of activity of no more than about 15% after six months of accelerated stability testing.
US08293228B2
The present invention relates to genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity. More specifically, the invention relates to proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases.
US08293220B2
The present invention provides a hair cosmetic composition contains (A) a di-long-chain cationic surfactant represented by formula (1); (B) an ethylene oxide adduct of 1,2-alkanediol represented by formula (2) and/or an N-acyl-N-methylmonoethanolamide represented by formula (3); and (C) a hydrophobicized alkyl cellulose represented by formula (4) and/or a cationic polymer represented by formula (5), and (D) water (chemical formulas not shown). The hair cosmetic composition has remarkably high safety and excellent stability. In addition, the composition exhibits excellent spreadability over hair upon application thereof and can finish hair with suppleness and less stickiness. Also, even when the composition has a low base material content, a lamellar liquid crystal structure can be formed. Quite surprisingly, the hair cosmetic composition can provide hair with conditioning effects together with excellent viscoelasticity and shows such excellent performance as to cause no problem even though the rinsing step is omitted.
US08293204B2
A novel continuous process is used for production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) of methane on iron floating catalyst in-situ deposited on MgO in a fluidized bed reactor. In the hot zone of the reactor, sublimed ferrocene vapors were contacted with MgO powder fluidized by methane feed to produce Fe/MgO catalyst in-situ. An annular tube was used to enhance the ferrocene and MgO contacting efficiency. Multi-wall as well as single-wall CNTs were grown on the Fe/MgO catalyst while falling down the reactor. The CNTs were continuously collected at the bottom of the reactor, only when MgO powder was used. The annular tube enhanced the contacting efficiency and improved both the quality and quantity of CNTs. The SEM and TEM micrographs of the products reveal that the CNTs are mostly entangled bundles with diameters of about 20 nm. Raman spectra show that the CNTs have low amount of amorphous carbon with IG/ID ratios as high as 10.2 for synthesis at 900° C. The RBM Raman peaks indicate formation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) of 1.0-1.2 nm diameter.
US08293197B2
A system for reducing nitrogen oxides from an exhaust fluid is provided. The system includes an exhaust source, a hydrocarbon reductant source, a first injector in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon reductant source, where the first injector receives a first hydrocarbon reductant stream from the hydrocarbon reductant source, and expels the first portion of the hydrocarbon reductant stream. The system further includes a first catalyst that receives the exhaust stream and the first hydrocarbon reductant stream, a second injector in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon reductant source, where the second injector receives a second hydrocarbon reductant stream from the hydrocarbon reductant source, and expels the second hydrocarbon reductant stream, and a second catalyst disposed to receive an effluent from the first catalyst and the second portion of the hydrocarbon reductant stream.
US08293193B2
A microfluidic component comprises at least one channel (2) delineated by a top wall (6) and a bottom wall (3) and two opposite side walls (4, 5). The distance (P) between the top wall (6) and the bottom wall (3) of the channel (2) is greater than or equal to 25 micrometers and first and second sets of nanotubes (9a, 9b) are respectively borne by the two opposite side walls (4, 5) for the component to present a particularly high ratio between the contact surface and the available volume and a limited overall surface size. In addition, the distance between the two opposite side walls (4, 5) is about a few micrometers and preferably comprised between 3 and 5 micrometers.
US08293176B2
An example method for detecting an analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid includes the steps of exposing the bodily fluid sample to electromagnetic energy to cause a thermoelastic expansion in the analyte, and detecting a photoacoustic signal in the sample that results from the thermoelastic expansion.
US08293175B2
An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52, 53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to receive said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge or from said pipette.
US08293169B2
A high strength, ductile, and tough Ni-base heat resistant alloy comprises by mass percent, C: 0.1% or less, Si: 1% or less, Mn: 1% or less, Cr: not less than 15% to less than 28%, Fe: 15% or less, W: more than 5% to not more than 20%, Al: more than 0.5% to not more than 2%, Ti: more than 0.5% to not more than 2%, Nd: 0.001 to 0.1% and B: 0.0005 to 0.01%, with the balance being Ni and impurities. Impurity contents of P, S, Sn, Pb, Sb, Zn and As are P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.01% or less, Sn: 0.020% or less, Pb: 0.010% or less, Sb: 0.005% or less, Zn: 0.005% or less and As: 0.005% or less, and formulas of [0.015≦Nd+13.4×B≦0.13], [Sn+Pb≦0.025] and [Sb+Zn +As≦0.010] are met.
US08293168B2
The present invention is generally directed to nanocomposite thermoelectric materials that exhibit enhanced thermoelectric properties. The nanocomposite materials include two or more components, with at least one of the components forming nano-sized structures within the composite material. The components are chosen such that thermal conductivity of the composite is decreased without substantially diminishing the composite's electrical conductivity. Suitable component materials exhibit similar electronic band structures. For example, a band-edge gap between at least one of a conduction band or a valence band of one component material and a corresponding band of the other component material at interfaces between the components can be less than about 5kBT, wherein kB is the Boltzman constant and T is an average temperature of said nanocomposite composition.
US08293161B2
An apparatus for fabricating a flat panel display device includes a device that applies a flowable material on a substrate; a soft mold having a base surface, a groove part recessed in relation to the base surface, and a protruding part protruding from the base surface, the soft mold applying a pressure on the flowable material for forming a multi-stepped profile pattern in the flowable material.
US08293154B2
A highly effective and cost-effective method and apparatus for manufacturing soft contact lenses by physically forming the lenses form sheet (or other solid) material in a batch or continuous process.
US08293153B2
A rotary powder compression molding machine according to the invention includes: a flame; a rotary shaft; a turret; a plurality of die; an upper and a lower punches; an upper and a lower rolls; a designator for designating a molding portion constituted of a set of the die and the upper and lower punches corresponding to the die; a position detector for detecting that the molding portion designated by the designator has reached a predetermined position; a separator for separating a designated molded article ejected from the molding portion designated by the designator from collection of molded articles other than the designated molded article based on a position detection signal output from the position detector; and an actuation verifier for verifying actuation of the separator based on movement of the designated molded article.
US08293147B2
A laser-writable molding material containing A) at least one polymer material or at least one precursor compound which can be polymerised to give a polymer material, and B) a particulate salt-like compound or a mixture of particulate salt-like compounds, which under the influence of laser light changes its color or leads to a color change in the component A). In order to enlarge the range of matrix materials hitherto available for laser writing and to overcome the disadvantages of the previously used writing procedures for such matrix materials, the laser-writable molding material according to the invention is characterised in that the at least one polymer material of the component A) is selected from polymer compounds having siloxane crosslinking units.
US08293133B2
Crystals of [VOBDC](H2BDC)0.71 were synthesized hydrothemally. The guest acid molecules were removed by heating in air to give high quality single crystals of VOBDC. VOBDC was observed to show crystal-to-crystal transformations on absorption of the guest molecules aniline, thiophene and acetone from the liquid phase. Accurate structural data of the guest molecules and framework deformations were obtained from single crystal X-ray data. VOBDC was also shown to absorb selectively thiophene and dimethyl sulphide from methane.
US08293130B2
Disclosed is a refrigerator oil composition containing a base oil (A) composed of a polyvinyl ether, an organic sulfur compound (B) having a sulfur content of not more than 35% by mass and a refrigerant (C), in which a total sulfur content is 0.01 to 0.1% by mass with respect to a total amount of the components (A) and (B). Such the novel refrigerator oil composition does not cause environmental problems such as ozone layer destruction and global warming, and can retain the lubrication properties for a long period of time, while preventing a capillary in a refrigeration cycle from clogging.
US08293121B2
The present invention relates to a method for forming fine wiring comprising: preparing a substrate for a printed circuit board; forming a metal thin sacrificial layer on the substrate using a first metal ink; forming a wiring on the metal thin sacrificial layer by inkjet printing using a second metal ink; and removing a portion of the metal thin sacrificial layer to form a wiring pattern. The method for forming fine wiring according to the invention can improve adhesiveness by using metal thin sacrificial layer and prevent spreading of ink in forming fine wiring.
US08293114B2
A method for exchanging heat between an effluent fluid and a blood fluid and a heat exchanger for heat exchange. The heat exchanger comprises a first and a second fluid circuit extending through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger further comprises a stack of fluid plates and a membrane arranged between each of the fluid plates where one interspace is formed between each fluid plate and membrane. The first and the second fluid circuit is each constituted by a passage extending through the fluid plates and membranes and along the fluid plates and membranes in at least two interspaces According to the method for heat exchanging an effluent fluid is passed through the first fluid circuit and a blood fluid is passed through the second fluid circuit such that the effluent fluid is passed along one side of a membrane and simultaneously the blood fluid is passed along the other side of the membrane. Heat is thus exchanged between the effluent fluid and the blood fluid over the membrane.
US08293113B2
A method for exchanging heat between an effluent fluid and a treatment fluid and a heat exchanger for heat exchange as well as an arrangement and a kit comprising a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a first and a second fluid circuit extending through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger further comprises a stack of fluid plates and a membrane arranged between each of the fluid plates where one interspace is formed between each fluid plate and membrane. The first and the second fluid circuit is each constituted by a passage extending through the fluid plates and membranes and along the fluid plates and membranes in at least two interspaces. According to the method for heat exchanging an effluent fluid is passed through the first fluid circuit and a treatment fluid is passed through the second fluid circuit such that the effluent fluid is passed along one side of a membrane and simultaneously the treatment fluid is passed along the other side of the membrane. Heat is thus exchanged between the effluent fluid and the treatment fluid over the membrane.
US08293111B2
Methods and apparatuses for chromatography are provided, using, for example, water as a stationary phase and carbon dioxide as the mobile phase.
US08293104B2
Filtration systems may comprise a manifold having a fitting and a filter having a fitting. One of the manifold fitting and the filter fitting may comprise a nozzle including a tip portion having a contact surface. The other of the manifold fitting and the filter fitting may comprise a receptacle which receives the nozzle and has a contact surface. The filter may be removably mountable to the manifold with the filter fitting detachably engaging the manifold fitting and the contact surface at the tip portion of the nozzle abutting and sealing against the contact surface of the receptacle to prevent leakage at the end of the nozzle.
US08293098B2
A wastewater treatment system comprising: a first treatment zone (11) fluidly connected to one or more further treatment zones (12-14), a membrane module (16) comprising a filter membrane is positioned in or fluidly connected to the further treatment zone; and a gravity settling device (15) fluidly connected to the first treatment zone (11) to receive overflow therefrom. A method of treating wastewater comprising flowing wastewater through one or more treatment zones (11-14) to produce a fluid product which is passed through a filter membrane (16) to produce a concentrated mixed liquor and a filtrate; returning at least a portion of the concentrated mixed liquor to at least one of the treatment zones (11); when the flow of wastewater water exceeds a predetermined level, flowing a portion of the returned mixed liquor to a gravity settling device (15) and clarifying the mixed liquor within the gravity settling device (15).
US08293097B2
A system for controlling the injection of wastewater treatment chemicals into a wastewater treatment stream includes a holding tank for collecting and holding wastewater being treated, a camera positioned for making images of the wastewater in the holding tank, a computer for automatically making the images of the wastewater in the holding tank at scheduled intervals. The computer analyzes the images in order to determine the necessity for injecting wastewater treatment chemicals into the wastewater stream by measuring the size, distribution and number of pixels of differing colors and appearances, such that pixels of differing colors and appearances represent differing metal moieties in the wastewater stream. A pump and injection port injects wastewater treatment chemicals into the wastewater stream responsive to the analysis of the images indicating the necessity of such injection.
US08293093B2
A method of electrowinning or electrorefining copper from a copper electrolyte solution which contains chloride ions, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a polyacrylamide solution by dissolving polyacrylamide, having a molecular weight range of 5,000 to 20,000,000 Daltons, in an acidic medium and under conditions to form a polyacrylamide block copolymer having blocks of carboxyl groups dispersed along the polymer backbone; (b) introducing the polyacrylamide solution into an electrolytic cell containing the copper electrolyte solution at a polyacrylamide concentration of 0.01-10 mg/L; and (c) electroplating copper from the copper electrolyte solution to form a copper cathode.
US08293092B2
There is described an alkaline electroplating bath for depositing zinc alloys on substrates having an anode and a cathode, wherein the anode region and the cathode region are separated from each other by a filtration membrane.
US08293089B1
Systems and methods for combining dielectrophoresis, magnetic forces, and hydrodynamic forces to manipulate particles in channels formed on top of an electrode substrate are discussed. A magnet placed in contact under the electrode substrate while particles are flowing within the channel above the electrode substrate allows these three forces to be balanced when the system is in operation. An optical detection scheme using near-confocal microscopy for simultaneously detecting two wavelengths of light emitted from the flowing particles is also discussed.
US08293080B2
A conductive contact ring for an electroplating or electrodeposition process on a cylindrical surface includes a frame defining an opening through which the object can be passed and an array of electrically conductive fibers spanning the opening. The frame is electrically conductive and is connected to a DC power source in the process. Two or more contact rings can be used in a process to provide consistent electrical contact with the surface sliding therethrough. A single contact ring can have first and second groups of filaments spaced from each other along the axial length of the surface.
US08293077B2
The invention relates to a method for treating surfaces of hollow parts, this method being a conversion treatment such as an anodizing, and to a method according to which the hollow pieces are completely immersed inside at least one treatment tank containing a liquid, characterized in that each hollow piece is immersed while making it execute at least one rotational movement so that air bubbles likely to be created inside the tank are removed from the inner wall of the hollow part.
US08293074B2
A cleaning apparatus is disclosed for processing a moving surface. The cleaning apparatus includes at least one pad that is coupled to a support shoe. The support shoe is attached to a first end of a plate element, and the plate element includes a second end that is adapted to be received by a doctor blade holder.
US08293068B2
A plasma processing apparatus includes: a vacuum-evacuable processing chamber; a lower central electrode; a lower peripheral electrode surrounding the lower central electrode in an annular shape; an upper electrode provided to face the lower central electrode and the lower peripheral electrode; a processing gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas into the processing chamber; an RF power supply for outputting an RF power for generating a plasma; and a power feed conductor connected to a rear surface of the lower peripheral electrode to supply the RF power to the lower peripheral electrode. The apparatus further includes a variable capacitance coupling unit for electrically connecting the lower central electrode with at least one of the power feed conductor and the lower peripheral electrode by capacitance coupling with a variable impedance in order to supply a part of the RF power from the RF power supply to the lower central electrode.
US08293064B2
A reaction vessel having a reaction chamber for holding a sample is fabricated by producing a housing having a rigid frame defining the minor walls of the chamber. The housing also defines a port for introducing fluid into the chamber. At least one sheet or film is attached to the rigid frame to form at least one major wall of the chamber. In preferred embodiments, two sheets or films are attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form two opposing major walls of the chamber, the major walls being connected to each other by the minor walls.
US08293062B2
A method of producing a multilayer plastic film from resin starting material includes irradiating a batch of plastic resin material and using irradiated resin from the batch to produce at least one layer of a multilayer plastic film.
US08293054B2
A method of applying graphics to a set of articles with a graphic transfer assembly is disclosed. The method includes a step of selecting an article from a set of articles comprising different types of articles. After selecting a last that may be associated with the article, the last may be attached to a last assembly of the graphic transfer assembly. With the article attached to the graphic transfer assembly, a deformable membrane may apply graphics to curved portions of the article.
US08293051B2
A collapsible bladder has flexible outer walls and at least one strut inside the enclosure. The strut is connected to the outer walls and controls the shape into which the enclosure may be collapsed.
US08293050B2
In a bead manufacturing method and bead manufacturing device, a former rotatably supported on a support base and pivotably holds opposite end portions of a plurality of elastically deformable spring members arranged on an outer circumference thereof with gaps in a circumferential direction for annularly winding a bead filler around the spring members, an actuation mechanism is provided for curving the spring members in the radial directions of the former, and a bead core holding portion is arranged at one end side of the former for holding a bead core. When the spring members are elastically deformed outward in the radial directions of the former to a semicircular shape, the bead filler annularly wound around the spring members are raised up to fixedly fit a short bottom side thereof on the outer circumference of the bead core held at one end side of the former.
US08293047B2
A machine for labelling containers (100), comprising first transport means (2) for positioning at least a container (100) at a time in a labelling position, second transport means (3) for positioning an annular heat-shrinkable label (200) below the at least a container (100) in a labelling position, raising means (50, 52) for raising the label (200) for inserting the label from below onto a container (100) in a labelling position, and dispensing means (51, 53) for investing the label (200) with a hot fluid; the dispensing means (51, 53) being unconstrained to the second transport means (3) such as to be stationary with respect to the labels (200) which advance, activated by the second transport means (3), and are configured such as to perform heat-shrinkage of at least a portion of the label (200) inserted on the at least a container (100) in a labelling position thereon, in which the portion extends over an entire axial development of the label (200).
US08293042B2
The present invention relates to novel articles, especially non-woven articles comprising fibers and/or fibrids. It also relates to novel fibers and fibrids and to a process for obtaining these fibers and fibrids.
US08293041B2
A fiber laminate for use as an absorbent cleaning cloth is made by first preconsolidating by calendering at least one spun-bond web of filaments and then applying at least one fiber layer of hydrophilic natural or converted cellulose fibers to the pre-consolidated spun-bond web. The two layers are then hydrodynamically consolidated into a two-layer laminate, and a surface of the hydrodynamically consolidated two-layer laminate is embossed.
US08293040B2
The invention provides homogeneous mesoporous metal oxide nanoenergetic composites. A composite of the invention has a regular and uniform nanostructure of metal oxide, which is structured by a surfactant. Metal fuel nanoparticles are homogenously distributed through the regular and uniform nanostructure. The invention further provides methods for making homogeneous metal oxide nanoenergetic composites. A method of the invention forms a metal oxide nanostructure via a sol-gel process with surfactant templating. Metal nanoparticles into the metal oxide nanostructure via wet impregnation.
US08293032B2
A process which can make a titanium alloy bolt at ambient temperature is disclosed. A Ti—Fe—O alloy is used as a material. It has a screw thread formed thereon by drawing and rolling.
US08293031B2
A magnesium alloy, comprising: Y:0.5-10 Zn:0.5-6 Ca:0.05-1 Mn: 0-0.5 Ag:0-1 Ce:0-1 Zr:0-1 or Si: 0-0.4, wherein the amounts are based on weight-percent of the alloy and Mg, and manufacturing-related impurities constitute the remainder of the alloy to a total of 100 weight-percent. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing such an alloy and a biodegradable implant formed therefrom.
US08293028B2
A carburizing process for increasing the hardness of a case region of a steel component. In one form the application includes plating the outer surface of a stainless steel component with nickel prior to carburizing. One component includes a stainless steel object having a hardened case substantially free of continuous phase grain boundary carbides.
US08293025B2
One embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for washing a product with a fluid. The tank may receive a plurality of product, such as fruits and vegetables, into the fluid and be configured to receive a moving conveyor, having a first end, a second end, a first section, and a second section. The conveyor may have a plurality of protruding panels being structured and arranged on the conveyor to push the product through the fluid in the tank and to lift the product from the fluid in the tank to the second end of the conveyor. At least one first nozzle may be positioned substantially above the conveyor and configured to deliver the fluid onto the product as the product is pushed by the plurality of panels. The fluid delivered from the at least one first nozzle may rotate the product in the fluid in the tank.
US08293023B2
A method of using a processing system that is operable to deposit liquid and to remove liquid by way of negative pressure. The method includes arranging a device to have at least one of the liquid deposited thereon by the processing system and the liquid removed therefrom by the processing system. The device has a sensor portion disposed thereon. The sensor portion can provide a sensor signal based on pressure related to the at least one of the liquid being deposited thereon by the processing system and the liquid being removed therefrom by the processing system. The method further includes performing at least one of depositing, by the processing system, the liquid onto the device and removing the liquid, by the processing system, from the device. The method still further includes providing the sensor signal, by the sensor portion, based on the pressure related to the at least one of the liquid being deposited onto the device and the liquid being removed from the device.
US08293017B2
An apparatus includes a workpiece support, a source for emitting a plume of coating material that flows toward the workpiece support, and plume influencing structure between the source and the workpiece support. The plume influencing structure includes a shield with plural openings extending therethrough approximately parallel to a general direction of flow of the plume away from the source. According to a different aspect, a method includes emitting from a source a plume of coating material that flows toward a workpiece support, and adjusting the flow of the plume with a shield between the source and the workpiece support, the shield having plural openings extending therethrough approximately parallel to a general direction of flow of the plume.
US08293009B2
A pressure differential is applied across a mold sheet and a semiconductor (e.g. silicon) wafer (e.g. for solar cell) is formed thereon. Relaxation of the pressure differential allows release of the wafer. The mold sheet may be cooler than the melt. Heat is extracted almost exclusively through the thickness of the forming wafer. The liquid and solid interface is substantially parallel to the mold sheet. The temperature of the solidifying body is substantially uniform across its width, resulting in low stresses and dislocation density and higher crystallographic quality. The mold sheet must allow flow of gas through it. The melt can be introduced to the sheet by: full area contact with the top of a melt; traversing a partial area contact of melt with the mold sheet, whether horizontal or vertical, or in between; and by dipping the mold into a melt. The grain size can be controlled by many means.
US08292999B2
An exhaust pipe paint for application to an exhaust pipe base includes an inorganic glass particle, an inorganic particle, and at least one of an inorganic binder and a precursor of the inorganic binder. The inorganic binder partially softens at a softening temperature of the inorganic glass particle.
US08292996B2
An oily inkjet ink comprises a pigment, a dispersant, and an organic solvent. The organic solvent contains an ester solvent and/or an alcohol solvent. A containing quantity of a water-soluble ingredient in the pigment is equal to at most 0.15% by mass.
US08292995B2
A salt of a sulfonated dye modulates a stability of the dye, particularly its ozonefastness. The salt comprises an organic cation selected from the group consisting of: a first organic cation having a positive charge delocalized between a nitrogen atom and at least one other heteroatom; a second organic cation having a positive charge delocalized between a nitrogen atom and at least two other atoms; and a third organic cation of formula (A): wherein: Rp, Rq and Rr are each independently selected from a C1-6 alkyl group; s is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and Ar is a C6-12 aryl group or C3-12 heteroaryl group.
US08292987B2
A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter with an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas, a downstream end and zones. The system also includes a heating element. A control module selectively activates the heating element to inductively heat one of the zones.
US08292985B2
An earth-boring drill bit having a bit body with a cutting component formed from a tungsten carbide composite material is disclosed. The composite material includes a binder and tungsten carbide crystals comprising sintered pellets. The composite material may be used as a hardfacing on the body and/or cutting elements, or be used to form portions or all of the body and cutting elements. The pellets may be formed with a single mode or multi-modal size distribution of the crystals.
US08292984B2
An air cleaner assembly is described and shown which includes a housing having an air flow inlet, an air flow outlet and a housing body and access cover. A serviceable filter cartridge is positioned within the housing. A projection/receiver arrangement providing for engagement between the cartridge and the access cover is provided. The projection/receiver arrangement can be configured in a manner that inhibits both cantilevered motion and rotational motion of the cartridge, once installed. An example projection/receiver arrangement is provided, which includes a serpentine receiving groove on the access cover and a serpentine projection on the filter cartridge.
US08292976B2
A fuel additive and method for reducing emissions from an engine combusting a middle distillate fuel. The fuel additive contains a synergistic combination of (a) a cetane improver and (b) a mineral oil co-additive.
US08292963B2
Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods. Devices expand linearly to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. The expanded height of some embodiments is greater that twice the unexpanded height of the device. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies of the spine.
US08292959B2
A spinal implant may be used to stabilize a portion of a spine. The implant may promote bone growth between adjacent vertebrae that fuses the vertebrae together. An implant may include an opening through a height of a body of the implant. The body of the implant may include curved sides. A top and/or a bottom of the implant may include protrusions that contact and/or engage vertebral surfaces to prevent backout of the implant from the disc space. A variety of instruments may be used to prepare a disc space and insert an implant. The instruments may include, but are not limited to, a distracter, a rasp, and one or more guides. The implant and instruments may be supplied in an instrument kit.
US08292958B1
Embodiments are disclosed which provide a spinal cage with a wall extending in a longitudinal direction defining an interior space. There is also provided a spin-plate that may be assembled into the spinal cage. The spin-plate may comprise a blade and a disc on a common shaft, and may be rotatable from an undeployed position to a deployed position. In some embodiments, the spin-plate may be assembled into the spinal cage by a translational motion perpendicular to a rotational axis of the spin-plate. The spin-plate may be captured in the spinal cage for certain angular positions. In some embodiments, there may be a snap-in feature when the spin-plate is assembled into the spinal cage, and there may be a rotational feature such that increased torque is required to advance beyond certain points.
US08292956B2
The present invention relates to a silicone elastomer composition for an artificial integument which satisfies the following formula: tan δ≧0.23−0.006X wherein tan δ represents the loss tangent of a cured product of the aforementioned composition; and X represents the Asker C hardness of a cured product of the aforementioned composition. With the composition of the present invention, an artificial integument which has not only a similar outer appearance, but also a similar flexible feeling on touch to the skin, can be obtained by a simple process.
US08292955B2
Methods and apparatuses for treatment of various joint conditions include a device inserted into a joint space. During delivery, the profile of the device is constrained in at least one dimension to minimize invasive impact on tissue and/or bone. The device may be restrained for implantation by a thread or a rigid elongate member. After insertion, the device may expand at the implantation site.
US08292954B2
Methods and apparatuses for treatment of various joint conditions include a device inserted into a joint space. During delivery, the profile of the device is constrained in at least one dimension to minimize invasive impact on tissue and/or bone. The device may be restrained for implantation by a thread or a rigid elongate member. After insertion, the device may expand at the implantation site.
US08292952B2
A lens for placement in a human eye, such as intraocular lens, has at least some of its optical properties formed with a laser. The laser forms modified loci in the lens when the modified loci have a different refractive index than the refractive index of the material before modification. Different patterns of modified loci can provide selected dioptic power, toric adjustment, and/or aspheric adjustment provided. Preferably both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lens are planar for ease of placement in the human eye.
US08292942B2
A system for delivery of a stent dilatable by means of a balloon, including a multilumen polymeric catheter having at least two balloons at the input end, where the distal balloon can expand an eccentric stent mounted on it, and the proximal balloon of smaller diameter has, at least, two radiopaque labels (markers) and has a capability of accurate orientation of the stent in an artery lumen.
US08292937B2
A therapeutic pack provides effective therapeutic heating or cooling to an area of a body. The therapeutic pack comprises a fabric bag, such as taffeta or a spandex material, and a plurality of therapeutic modules within the bag. In one example, the bag is tubular. In another example, the bag including structurally restrict free movement of the plurality of the therapeutic modules from one section of the bag to another section of the bag. However, the therapeutic modules may be capable of freely moving within the bag relative to one another. The therapeutic modules may include a material that repeatedly provides a prolonged cooling or heating, such as a phase change material, within a durable, impermeable shell, such as a polyethylene shell.
US08292934B2
Devices and methods include a multi-axial anchor assembly engageable to a vertebra and a connecting element positionable through a receiver of the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a flexible member between the receiver and an anchor member of the anchor assembly, thereby providing a flexible joint in the anchor assembly for allowing limited movement after primary multi-axial capability between the receiver and the anchor member has been arrested.
US08292929B2
A spinal stabilization system includes at least two anchors having a bone attachment portion and a head portion and a flexible assembly coupled to the anchors. The flexible assembly includes a flexible cord, at least two connectors slidably mounted to the flexible cord, and at least one spacer slidably mounted to the cord between adjacent connectors. Each connector couples with a head portion of an anchor. The flexible assembly may be assembled and appropriately adjusted outside the body prior to it being coupled to the anchors. In addition, the connectors may include angled outer surfaces that provide enhanced engagement with the ends of the spacer. A method of stabilizing the spine includes securing anchors to the spine, assembling a flexible assembly outside the body, and coupling the flexible assembly to the anchors. The method may further include providing connectors with angled surfaces to provide enhanced engagement with the spacer.
US08292927B2
Embodiments of the invention include a spinal construct for stabilizing a segment of a spinal column with a flexible spinal rod having one or more flexible components that articulate longitudinally and change curvature along at least a portion of their length in response to normal physiological loads.
US08292916B2
The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.
US08292914B2
A collapsing clip including a plurality of collapsed self expanding wire frame segments is contained within the distal end of a catheter. The clip can be delivered to the neck of an aneurysm within the neurovascular system using a catheter. The collapsing clip impinges the distal and proximal framed wire segments onto the neck of the aneurysm. The framed wire segments are inter positioned so that the diamond shaped spaces between the wires are substantially blocked. The neck of the aneurysm is blocked by the distal and proximal framed wire segments forming a barrier.
US08292913B2
A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.
US08292912B2
A balloon catheter is provided to minimize curving of the balloon when the balloon is expanded with an inflation media. The balloon catheter has an elastic inner shaft that stretches longitudinally as inflation pressure in the balloon is increased. The balloon catheter may also have an inner shaft with a portion that is corrugated to allow longitudinal stretching of the inner shaft.
US08292911B2
Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.
US08292907B2
A vascular occlusion device for occluding a body cavity. The device includes an elongate member having an inflation lumen, an occlusion lumen, and a first portion extending distally from a proximal end and a second portion extending distally from the first portion to the distal end. An inflatable proximal balloon is disposed about the first portion and an inflatable distal balloon is disposed about the second portion. The inflation lumen is configured to inflate at least one of the balloons. The occlusion lumen is configured to introduce an occlusive material into the body cavity by way of an occlusion port located between the two balloons to occlude the body cavity. In some examples, the body cavity includes a patent foramen ovale.
US08292901B2
A uterine manipulator tip includes a finger and an expandable member. The finger is configured to be confined within a cervix. The expandable member is carried by the finger and is configured to engage a cervical canal between an internal cervical os and an external cervical os of the cervix.
US08292890B2
The present invention relates to a bone dilator designed for treating compression fracture of vertebral body, and fractures of cancellous bones at other sites. The bone dilator comprises a head portion, a neck portion, a connecting tube, a handle and a rotary hilt. The head portion embodies different shapes for use at different locations. When the rotary hilt is rotated clockwise and the pull rod is pulled backwards, the upper and the lower parts of the head portion keep parallel or at a predetermined angle during expanding. When the rotary hilt is rotated counterclockwise and the pull rod is pushed forwards, the head portion and the neck portion completely join together, the distal end of the pull rod and the bar stays are completely or partially retracted in grooves inside the head portion and the neck portion.
US08292863B2
A disposable diaper has a front pouch with a wet wipe inside and a rear pouch with a closable open end. When the diaper has been soiled the wet wipe can be removed from the front pouch and used to clean the baby and then the diaper, once removed from the baby, can be inverted into the rear pouch, which inverts inside out with the soiled diaper inside. A closure can be used to close the open end of the now-inverted rear pouch to contain the soiled diaper inside.
US08292858B2
A drain bag outlet device includes inlet, valve and outlet portions. The inlet portion includes a connector and a cylindrical portion. The connector is adapted to connect to a fluid drain bag. A second end of the connector is adapted to connect to the cylindrical portion forming a generally longitudinal opening therethrough. The valve portion is attached to a second end of the cylindrical portion and includes a valve member for moving between positions to permit and obstruct fluid flow through the longitudinal opening. The outlet portion includes an outlet member having an angled portion and a shield connected to the valve portion. The shield completely surrounds and extends below the outlet member. The shield includes upper and lower portions. The diameter of the upper is less than the diameter of the lower portion. The outlet device eliminates the fluid that is spilled, splashed or sprayed on a healthcare worker.
US08292853B2
The present invention relates to a surgical access device comprising an elongate tubular member having a working channel and a proximal end and a distal end, a septum seal integrally formed at the distal end of the tubular member, and a zero seal disposed at the distal end of the tubular member and distal to the septum seal, the zero seal being sized and configured to seal when no instrument is in place within the working channel of the tubular member, and the zero seal being coupled to the septum seal The zero seal may be a duckbill seal having opposing lip portions separated by a slit portion. The opposing lip portions are coated with or attached to a soft or occlusive material.
US08292848B2
A dispensing device for dispensing medicaments to a patient which includes a supporting structure; a carriage assembly interconnected with the supporting structure for movement between a first position and a second position and a semi-rigid, collapsible reservoir carried by the carriage assembly. A stored energy source is operably associated with the carriage assembly for moving the carriage assembly between the first and second positions. The device also includes novel structure, including fill-vials, for adding medicaments to the fluid within the fluid reservoir.
US08292846B2
An applicator tip for use with a fluid applicator includes a base configured for releasable engagement with a fluid applicator at a proximal end of the base. The base includes a chamber defined therein configured for retaining a mixing component therein. One or more penetrable members are disposed within the base to at least partially encloses the chamber to retain the mixing component therein. A shaft extends distally from the base and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft has a lumen extending therethrough configured for passage of a fluid therethrough. Upon penetration of the penetrable member, fluid from the fluid applicator flows into the chamber such that the fluid and the mixing component form a mixture to be applied.
US08292843B2
A system and method to automatically initiate an injection procedure of a medicament into a patient. In the system, a delivery assembly includes an injector for infusing the medicament into the patient. Further, the system includes a monitor for detecting a parameter characteristic of the procedure, for instance, a pressure indicative of a partial vacuum between the injector and the injection site, a pressure exerted by the patient against the delivery assembly, a conductance, a capacitance, or an optical blood reading. Also, the system includes a timer for determining compliance of the parameter within a predetermined range during a first time interval. In response to the timer, an actuator initiates the injection procedure at the expiration of the first time interval. Further, the actuator may stop the injection procedure if the parameter is outside the predetermined range during a second time interval.
US08292842B2
A therapy delivery component is connected to an IMD with a coupling that has a known physical property, based upon which the type and/or connection status of the therapy delivery component is automatically identified.
US08292836B2
A walking assistance device is capable of preventing a load transmit portion thereof from falling due to gravity when the operation of an actuator of the walking assistance device is stopped. A leg link is provided with an elastic member that imparts, to a third joint, an urging torque for restraining the flexion degree of the leg link from changing from a predetermined first flexion degree due to the gravity acting on the walking assistance device in a reference state wherein a foot-worn portion connected to the load transmit portion through the leg link is in contact with a ground and the flexion degree of the leg link at the third joint is the first flexion degree.
US08292833B2
The present invention relates to a finger-motion detecting apparatus and method and includes a sensing unit to be disposed on a wrist of a subject person, said sensing unit being configured to output a measurement signal into the wrist of the subject person and to receive a reflected signal of the measurement signal according to the motion of tendons in the wrist of the subject person, a signal control unit configured to control whether the measurement signal is outputted and to adjust the measurement signal on the basis of the reflected signal, and a finger-motion recognizing unit configured to detect finger motion of the subject person from the reflected signal. According to the present invention, since a sensor capable of detecting finger motion is worn on a wrist, the problem of inconvenience in existing methods is resolved.
US08292829B2
A medical instrument such as a guidewire that is designed to have controlled torque transmission along its length. Specially treated areas are placed in selected and equal areas along the entire length of the elongated shaft of the medical instrument, and are separated from one another by untreated areas. This process ensures that any torque is transmitted distally, in a smooth manner, regardless of the guidewire position, thus resulting in a substantial reduction in whipping. In one embodiment, a stainless steel guidewire is utilized, and is subjected to annealing heat treatment in selected areas. This annealing process creates a mandrel that has repeated temper properties along its length. Torque applied at one end of this mandrel is transmitted to the opposite end in an even and controlled manner, even when the mandrel is formed into a loop.
US08292825B2
The present invention relates generally to devices and systems for detecting infection within catheters. In particular, the present invention provides catheter testing systems configured to sterilely collect a biological sample from the interior of a catheter for purposes of testing the biological sample (e.g., for the presence of fibrin, sepsis, etc.).
US08292823B2
A system and method for detection of a brainstem disorder, such as schizophrenia, using brainstem audiometry, is disclosed. A subject's (4) responses on the physical properties of sound, such as frequency, time and amplitude, are being detected. Sound stimuli are being presented, via a communication element (2) through a hearing organ (3) to the subject. Elements (7) are attached to the subject (4) for measurement of the subject's electrophysiological brain activity. Simultaneously as the mentioned sound stimuli (1) are presented to the subject (4) a trig signal is sent out from the organ for generation of stimuli (1), via a trig box (5), further to an organ for registration (6) of the electrophysiological brain activity in the subject (4), whereafter the electrophysiological brain activity is stored and imaged in computer equipment (8) for determination of a brainstem disorder in the subject.
US08292821B2
To improve measurement accuracy of blood pressure. A wrist sphygmomanometer comprises a cuff spring formed in a curved shape to fit the semicircle on the side of the pulsation part of the wrist, having a mount portion formed outside; a cuff band including the cuff spring as a core material, having an air bag inside, and wound around a wrist; and a sphygmomanometer main body mounted on the mount portion of the cuff spring, having a pressure pump for supplying air to the air bag, wherein the cuff spring has a protrusion protruding inward formed in a nearly central position in a peripheral direction.
US08292820B2
A method and wristop (wrist worn) device for monitoring physical exercise. The wristop device includes a central unit, in which there is a display face and to which a wristband is, or can be attached, sensor means for collecting a hemodynamic signal from the wrist, and a data-processing unit functionally connected to the sensor means, for deriving at least one physiological parameter from the hemodynamic signal. The data-processing unit of the wristop device is arranged to derive from the hemodynamic signal at least one physiological parameter depicting respiration, and further, on the basis of this, to calculate at least one training-effect parameter depending on the person and the exercise. In addition, the device makes it possible to eliminate the use of pulse bands in monitoring the training effect of exercise.
US08292819B2
The invention provides a sleep analysis system and a method for analysis thereof. The sleep analysis system includes an analysis device and a sleep sensing apparatus. The sleep sensing apparatus includes an ECG signal collector, a multi-axial accelerometer, a wireless transmitting unit, and a control unit. The ECG signal collector is used for collecting an ECG signal associated with a subject. The multi-axial accelerometer is used for detecting a multi-axial accelerometer signal associated with the subject. The control unit controls the wireless transmitting unit to transmit the ECG signal and the multi-axial accelerometer signal to the analysis device for analyzing sleep of the subject.
US08292815B2
An ultrasound device and method for the treatment of intervertebral disc tissue for remediation of back pain. An applicator comprises a catheter and/or needle with a distal tip including one or more ultrasound transducer crystals. The crystals produce high-powered ultrasound energy that is transmitted and absorbed in the disc tissue. The resulting temperature elevation of the disc tissue shrinks the collagen fibers in the surrounding tissue, and/or destroying small nerves that may have invaded and innervated the surrounding degenerated tissue, and can provide increased structural integrity and disc support for the fragmented nucleus pulposus to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
US08292813B2
Provided is a method of ultrasound diagnosis, wherein the method includes: coating a surface of a specimen with a transmission medium; and performing the ultrasound diagnosis, wherein the transmission medium has a viscosity of at least 1,000 mPa·s at 25° C. and contains a hydrocarbon compound.
US08292811B2
An application interface provides an environment in which applications may discover and attach to data streams. The interface facilitates efficient sharing and management of acquired data through arbitration and parallel processing: allowing multiple applications to work in parallel on the same or different data streams to implement independent or co-dependent functionality. Further, the interface acts as a bridge between system address spaces allowing applications to execute in their own address space separate from the resource intensive acquisition processes. The interface also provides an environment for prototyping applications where a user may allocate data streams to an application and debug the application's execution. Because the interface provides a standardized/normalized interface to the acquired image data, applications may be developed independent of the imaging system's implementation details, data formats and protocols.
US08292809B2
Embodiments disclosed herein may include methods and systems capable of estimating the underlying concentrations of chromophores in a sample. The photon scattering and absorption model may be based on Laplace and stable distributions, which may reveal that measurements in diffuse reflectance may follow a Beer-Lambert and Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) product. This Beer-Lambert portion of the product may dominate in high absorption sample areas, while the KWW portion of the product may dominate in low absorption sample areas.
US08292805B2
An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance illumination waveguide with suction. This device would be useful in a wide array of various surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.
US08292803B2
A slender insertion section of the endoscope has an endoscope distal-end portion, a tubular body and a bending portion, all extending along the longitudinal axis of the insertion section. The bending portion is arranged between the distal-end portion and the tubular body. The insertion section has an inner component. The bending portion has an annular ring assembly composed of a plurality of annular rings arranged side by side. Each annular ring has a ring body, a pair of bulging portion that face at one end face of the ring body, and a plurality of projections which the inner component can move. The most distal annular ring of the annular ring assembly supports one end of a wire. The wire passes through the annular rings and has its other end coupled to an operation section of the endoscope.
US08292800B2
A remotely adjustable gastric band system is provided. The system includes a gastric band, an implantable fluid reservoir, and a fluid handling device including a piezoelectric pump, and a drive or controller assembly. The piezoelectric pump includes a diaphragm having a compressible spring positioned at an actuator side of the diaphragm, and a space occupying layer disposed between the compressible spring and the actuator side.
US08292792B2
A cutting device feeds a web between a die roll and an anvil roll, and cuts a continuous portion of the web. The cutting device includes a continuous portion transport unit configured to hold and transport the continuous portion of the web being continuous in a moving direction of the web, and a discontinuous portion transport unit configured to hold and transport a discontinuous portion of the web being discontinuous in the moving direction of the web. The die roll includes a first large diameter portion whose outer peripheral surface is provided with a cutting blade configured to cut the continuous portion of the web. The anvil roll includes a second large diameter portion disposed to face the first large diameter portion. By the discontinuous portion transport unit, the discontinuous portion passes through between the die roll and the anvil roll without contacting the first large diameter portion and the second large diameter portion.
US08292789B2
An exercise apparatus includes a frame for residing on a horizontal surface, a pair of arm-supporting members for supporting the user's arms and a pair of leg-supporting members for supporting the user's legs. A linkage assembly couples the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members to the frame and moves the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members in closed paths relative to the frame in response to user forces applied to the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members. The linkage assembly includes actuators for adjusting dimensions of the closed paths in response to control signal inputs. Sensors mounted on the linkage assembly generate force-indicating signals representing user force. A user interface receives and processes the force-indicating signals and supplies the control signal inputs to the actuators. A dimension of at least one of the closed paths is a function of at least one of the forces applied to the leg and arm-supporting members.
US08292788B2
A universal athleticism rating system and related athletic performance measuring systems for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance are disclosed. The athleticism rating system evaluates individual athletes against a common, standardized, set of athletic performance tests. Each athlete performs the athletic tests and his or her scores in the individual tests are entered into a standardized calculation to produce a single athletic performance score. The related performance measuring system is preferably a timing system that ensures quick, easy, and accurate collection of athletic event timing related data without the need for the athlete to wear any special detection devices or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the performance measuring system integrates with the rating system to provide seamless athletic data collection and rating of athletes.
US08292780B2
A powertrain includes a prime mover, a transmission, an input shaft adapted to transmit torque between the prime mover and the transmission, an output shaft adapted to transmit torque between the transmission and a driveline, and a master clutch between the prime mover and the input shaft, the clutch being movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which the clutch is not and is adapted to transmit torque between the prime mover and the input shaft, respectively. An electric motor is arranged for torque transmission with at least one of the input shaft and the output shaft, and a controller is provided for controlling the electric motor to rotate the input shaft at a rotational speed within an operating range of the prime mover when the clutch is moved from the disengaged to the engaged position.
US08292774B2
A differential assembly includes an axle, a differential, a differential lock assembly, a selector, and a coupler. The differential is coupled with the axle and is configured to facilitate operation of the axle at an axle speed. The differential lock assembly is associated with the differential and is movable between locked and unlocked positions. The selector is movable between lock-initiate and unlock-initiate positions. The coupler is configured to selectively couple the differential lock assembly and the selector. The coupler is configured for operation in deactivated and activated modes. When the coupler is in the deactivated mode, the differential lock assembly and the selector are decoupled from each other. When the coupler is in the activated mode, the differential lock assembly and the selector are coupled together.
US08292765B2
A tensioner (1) for a belt drive comprises a base(2, 3) defining an axis (A), a mobile element (4) hinged onto axis (A) and defining a guiding surface (22), an elastic helical element (18) having a square or rectangular cross section for actuating the mobile element (4) and an idle pulley (5) surrounding the guiding surface (22). The tensioner (1) further comprises a journal bearing (4, 29, 32, 33) for supporting the pulley (5) on the guiding surface (22).
US08292763B2
A baseball includes a core comprised of coconut fiber, rubber, and solvent; and a cover sewn on the core by stitches. The coconut fiber having a predetermined percentage by weight is crushed, the rubber having a predetermined percentage by weight is gelled, the coconut fiber and the rubber are mixed with the solvent having a predetermined percentage by weight, and the mix is subjected to molding, heating, and cooling to produce the core.
US08292762B2
A hockey stick handle is provided for use with a hockey stick shaft including an upper shaft surface having an upper shaft plane, a lower shaft surface having a lower shaft plane, two side shaft surfaces having side surface planes and a shaft centerline. The handle includes a shaft engagement end, a handle termination end opposite thereto, an upper handle surface, a lower handle surface comprising a lower surface spline extending inwards from the lower shaft plane towards the upper shaft plane in a first lower handle surface beginning at the shaft engagement end. The lower surface spline extending outwards in the lower shaft plane direction in a second lower handle surface beginning at the first lower handle surface and extending towards the handle termination end. A curved stop element runs between the upper handle surface towards the lower handle surface at the handle termination end and is sized to fit within a human palm. Two handle side surfaces run generally parallel to the two side shaft surfaces. The lower surface spline is configured to provide a relaxed wrist grip such that the shaft centerline is generally aligned with a user forearm centerline.
US08292759B2
A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, an envelope layer 6, a mid layer 8 and a cover 10. A thickness Tm of the mid layer 8 is equal to or less than 1.0 mm. A thickness Tc of the cover 10 is less than 0.6 mm. The sum of the thicknesses Tm and Tc is equal to or less than 1.5 mm. A hardness Hc of the cover 10 is less than 40. The hardness Hs, the hardness Hm, and the hardness Hc satisfy the following formula (1). Hs>Hc>Hm (1) The base material of the envelope layer 6 is ionomer resin. The base material of the mid layer 8 is polyurethane. The base material of the cover 10 is polyurethane.
US08292755B2
A golf club shaft is provided in which the flexural rigidity of the distal end portion can be improved with no change in flexural rigidity on the proximal end while the dispersion in the values of the flexural rigidity in the circumferential direction can be reduced without the use of a distal-end reinforcing layer that causes discontinuous points in the lengthwise direction in flexural rigidity. A golf club shaft is provided which satisfies the following conditions: that the golf club shaft includes at least three rectangular carbon prepregs as full-length layers, that all the rectangular carbon prepregs are each composed of a 0-degree layer, the long fiber direction of which is coincident with the longitudinal direction of the golf club shaft, that all the rectangular carbon prepregs are configured such that the amount of overlapping of each rectangular carbon prepreg is zero on the large-diameter proximal end portion of the gold club shaft and increasingly overlaps at positions increasingly toward the distal end of the golf club shaft, and that wind start positions of the rectangular carbon prepregs are different from one another.
US08292754B2
Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as putter heads, may include a putter body and an insert forming a ball striking face and engaged with the putter body. Portions of the insert may be formed of a metal material, while portions of the insert may be formed of a polymer material. The insert may include a base portion having grooves formed therein. This base may be joined with another material to form the insert. In some arrangements, the insert may be a two-sided, reversible construction and may have different performance characteristics associated with each side of the insert. Methods for making such putter devices are also described.
US08292751B2
A new style of a bowling game where the ball can be maneuvered as it is rolling by force of gravity across the lane and toward the targets. The lane is divided into two parts that are connected to each other in a way that allows one part to be rotated and/or lifted while the other part that contains the targets can remain stationary.
US08292750B2
A motion apparatus for use in combination with a standard infant carrier, such as a car seat. The motion apparatus comprises a support structure and a frame for receiving the transportable base of an infant car seat, and a drive assembly, which, when activated causes motion of the infant carrier. Methods and devices of the invention are useful to soothe an infant.
US08292744B2
The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for building online games. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a user interface that facilitates user selection of parts, and placing a set of parts selected by a user in a three-dimensional (3D) world. The method may also include joining parts within the set based on their proximity to each other in the 3D world to form one or more models for a game, and sending a model file for each of these models to a server via a network for use by various users.
US08292738B2
A game system as an information processing system includes a game apparatus and a controller, and the controller is attached with an attachment device. In a case that a slit plate of the attachment device is removed, the controller detects positions of high-intensity parts as to infrared ray output from markers provided on a monitor, and designates coordinates on the monitor screen thereby. Alternatively, in a case that the slit plate is loaded, when a card printed and so forth with a dot pattern is slid along a guide groove of the attachment device, a position of a high-intensity part of a plurality of dots to which infrared ray is irradiated is detected, so that information processing based on the dot pattern is executed.
US08292732B2
A gaming machine provides for random winning payouts for game plays. The gaming machine includes a game score module and a visual indicator. The game score module tracks previous game play results including all winning and losing game play results, and determines from the previous game play results the degree in which the gaming machine is currently playing hot. The visual indicator is on the gaming machine or physically mounted to the gaming machine and indicates the degree in which the gaming machine is currently playing hot. The visual indicator may be a thermometer-type gauge.
US08292728B2
The present invention is to be capable of carrying out an unusual performance beyond type of machine.The present game apparatus includes: two or more types of game apparatuses having hardware configurations different from each other, each of the game apparatuses including a performance unit for carrying out a performance visually and audibly appealing to a player, and a game progress control unit for controlling game progress and performing game performance control according to the game progress by controlling the performance unit; and a total performance processing apparatus for executing a process for carrying out a total performance in the two or more types of game apparatuses by using the performance unit provided in each of the two or more types of game apparatuses. The total performance processing apparatus and the two or more types of game apparatuses are connected and capable of communicating with each other. The total performance processing apparatus includes a control command transmitting unit for transmitting a total performance control command for carrying out the total performance at a predetermined total performance timing to each of the two or more types of game apparatuses. Each of the two or more types of game apparatuses includes a total performance control unit for controlling the performance unit according to the total performance control command from the total performance processing apparatus and executing total performance control for carrying out a performance assuming part of the total performance at the predetermined total performance timing.
US08292725B2
Disclosed and claimed herein is a sports fantasy game, having a roster of fantasy players for each user, and a slot machine-like apparatus that provides a limited number of spins for populating the roster of fantasy players. Also disclosed herein is a method of conducting the above described game. Further described and claimed are various modifications and enhancements.
US08292718B2
A system for multi-level wagering has one or more multi-level wagering accounts in which accumulated play value is stored. A computer may be used to track play value in the multi-level wagering accounts. Play value is distributed from a portion of the sales price of other multi-level wagering accounts, e.g., until a predetermined play value is achieved. One or more multi-level gaming machines may be operated by play value from the multi-level wagering accounts.
US08292715B2
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a video poker game allowing a player to double (or increase) his or her initial bet. After the initial deal, the player can decide to double the initial bet before drawing new cards. Both the initial bet and optional doubled bet are paid to the player.
US08292714B2
An electronic video game apparatus is configured to facilitate simultaneous play of at least first and second independent games of chance that generate independent outcomes. The electronic video game apparatus includes a video display and at least one electronic random number generator that randomly selects values for the independent games of chance and preferably displays the values in a superimposed manner on the video display. For example, the first game can be a card game while the second game is a dice game. Video representations of the card suit and value for each card in the card game are displayed along with dice values shown on the cards. The outcomes of the second game of chance are preferably employed to determine an outcome, such as a payout or award, for example, of the first game of chance.
US08292705B2
The fan unit according to the present invention includes a plurality of radial fans; and a unit casing which accommodates the radial fans and includes a first member and a second member, each of which has exhaust ports allowing transmission of at least a part of output air from the radial fans.
US08292700B2
An angle grinder is provided including a trigger assembly for selectively actuating the angle grinder. A particle separation assembly is provided for the removal of any dust, particle, or artifacts that may have entered into the housing of the angle grinder. A brush biasing system is also provided to ensure proper and efficient operation of the motor of the angle grinder. An overload monitoring system is included to monitor the loading on the motor. A clutch mechanism is also included to prevent overloading on the motor of the angle grinder. A gear wheel lock mechanism is also provided to prevent the wheel spindle from rotating during installation or removal of a grinding wheel on the wheel spindle. An anti-locking flange system is also included to prevent the over-tightening of the flanges and the grinder wheel during the operation of the angle grinder. A gear case labyrinth feature is also provided.
US08292694B2
A substrate holding mechanism, a substrate polishing apparatus and a substrate polishing method have functions capable of minimizing an amount of heat generated during polishing of a substrate to be polished and of effectively cooling a substrate holding part of the substrate holding mechanism, and also capable of effectively preventing a polishing solution and polishing dust from adhering to an outer peripheral portion of the substrate holding part and drying thereon. The substrate holding mechanism has a mounting flange, a support member 6 and a retainer ring. A substrate to be polished is held on a lower side of the support member surrounded by the retainer ring, and the substrate is pressed against a polishing surface of a polishing table. The mounting flange is provided with a flow passage contiguous with at least the retainer ring. A temperature-controlled gas is supplied through the flow passage to cool the mounting flange, the support member and the retainer ring. The retainer ring is provided with a plurality of through-holes communicating with the flow passage to spray the gas flowing through the flow passage onto the polishing surface of the polishing table.
US08292687B2
Magnetic and electronic toy construction systems and elements are provided that include an assembly panels that have magnets located around the panel perimeter such that the dipole axes of magnets in a single panel are coplanar and intersect to define a polygon. To attach adjacent panels, ferromagnetic spheres are used such that the dipole axes of one magnet from each of the adjacent panels are collinear. Also disclosed is a magnetic construction element comprising a longitudinally extending rod formed of a non-magnetic material; a magnet holder disposed at an end of the rod; a magnet embedded in the magnet holder; and a ferromagnetic material disposed at an intermediate portion of the rod, the ferromagnetic material being formed of two generally hemispherical portions that are attached to each other with at least a portion of the non-magnetic material of the rod being disposed within the hemispherical portions.
US08292678B2
An improved personal propulsion device that generally imparts thrust directly to the user. The device allows hands free control of thrust magnitude and direction so both hands can grasp and control bicycle handlebars and brakes, watercraft paddles, ski poles or other apparatuses. The device is adjustable vertically, on the users' back, higher to allow sitting in a canoe or wheelchair and lower for standing on skates, skis, kick scooters etc. In one embodiment, the device includes an air compressor that is operatively connected to a cam mechanism engaged with the propulsion mechanism to provide compressed air. In another embodiment, the device includes a gap control mechanism to reduce or increase the size of the air inlet gap between the lip of the propeller shroud and an air horn to decrease noise levels or increase propulsion. The air horn can be gradiently flexible and warpable to allow controlled movement thereof.
US08292668B2
In an electrical connector, a housing includes opposite front and rear end walls, and an insertion slot that is formed between opposite upper and lower inner wall surfaces extending in a front-rear direction and that opens at the front end wall. A terminal has a movable arm and a stationary arm that are disposed respectively on two sides of the insertion slot. The movable arm has a front barb-like contact portion proximate to the front end wall. The stationary arm is tapered forwardly, and has a front end distal from the front end wall, and an inclined contact face that is inclined rearwardly and gradually toward the insertion slot from its front end. The electrical connector has a miniaturized construction and reduces an insertion force for inserting a printed circuit board.
US08292665B2
A power supply connector (1), comprising an insulating body (2) which supports a plurality of electrical contacts (3) and a plurality of wiring conductors (4), and comprising an electrical filtering means (5), which is interposed between the electrical contacts and the wiring conductors and is integrally inserted in the insulating body.
US08292663B2
Apparatus, systems and methods for assembling an audio plug with a cosmetic hard shell are provided. A plug may be coupled to a cable. An inner member may be molded about an end portion of the plug and an end portion of the cable. A strain relief member may be molded about a portion of the cable such that the strain relief member is adjacent to and substantially flush with the inner member. The seam between the inner member and the strain relief member may be covered by coupling a hard, smooth outer shell over a portion of the inner member and a portion of the strain relief member. Each of the inner member, the strain relief member, and the outer shell may be formed by injection molding, be of a cylindrical shape, and be formed from the same or different materials.
US08292660B2
A consolidation point enclosure for a telecommunications network, including a base member for supporting the consolidation point on a mounting surface; and first and second bracket parts coupled to opposite end sections of a generally planar connection section of the base member, wherein the bracket parts are adapted to couple opposite ends sections of a patch panel to the base member so that a common insertion direction of modular jacks of the patch panel is substantially parallel to the generally planar connection section of the base member.
US08292655B1
Embodiments of the invention use a small piece of flex or rigid PCB as the cable plug. The wires of the cable are soldered onto the pads on the PCB with the pads so arranged that all the ground pads are tied together without needing a separate grounding bar. The signal and GND pads are so aligned such that minimum strip length is required for soldering and the symmetry of the differential signals is maintained.
US08292646B2
An electrical card connector is provided. The electrical card connector includes an insulating body and a cover. Axles of the cover come into contact with pivotal connection slots of the insulating body through flat surfaces, respectively. The axles are prevented from rotating within sliding portions of the pivotal connection slots, respectively, such that the cover cannot be opened while sliding. The axles of the cover come into contact with the pivotal connection slots of the insulating body through curved surfaces, respectively, to reinforce axial strength, increase contact area and friction of the pivotal connection slots, and prevent the axles from being stretched to the detriment of the structural strength of the axles.
US08292642B1
A card connector includes an insulating housing having a base board of which two sides of a top define two sliding chutes each extending along a front-to-rear direction. A tray has a substantially U-shaped carrying board having two slide boards slidably assembled in the sliding chutes to realize a front-to-rear slide of the tray and a connecting board having one end designed with a locking fillister, two restraining boards and blocking slices protruding upward from side edges and rear edges of the slide boards respectively. A lever has one end designed with a locking section, and the other end pivoted in the other end of the connecting board to make the lever rotatable between a closed position by the locking section being bucked in the locking fillister for holding a card in the tray, and an opened position for the convenience of insertion and extraction of the card.
US08292629B2
A header connector includes socket contacts having a socket portion extending along a longitudinal axis that defines a reception area configured to receive a mating contact. A housing extends along a central axis between mating and mounting ends and has contact channels open between the mating and mounting ends that receive the socket contacts. The housing has a primary plane and a secondary plane with the contact channels being arranged symmetrically about the primary plane and the secondary plane such that the housing is configured to be mated with a receptacle connector in a first orientation and a second orientation different than the first orientation.
US08292616B2
A gas burner including a burner body having a lower housing, an inlet conduit and a combustion surface element attached to the lower housing. A diffuser/reflector positioned within the body encourages even distribution and mixing of a combustible gas/air mixture. The diffuser/reflector is preferably of a sheet metal construction and includes a plurality of stamped openings with each of these openings having an overhanging guide plate. The combustion surface element includes a plurality of integrally formed rigidizing ribs and is made from a high temperature steel alloy wire cloth. The inlet conduit is secured directly or indirectly to an access door/bulkhead that is used to close off an access opening formed in a water heater wall through which the burner is installed. In one construction, an air scoop shrouds the inlet conduit and at least partially defines a flow path of primary air, substantially isolated from the combustion chamber.
US08292615B2
A method for burning gas in a burner, including leading the gas through an inner fuel tube and introduction of combustion air through an annular space surrounding the inner fuel tube. This space forms of an outer tube terminated by a conically converging section, wherein the end of the inner fuel tube forms a burner head. The major part of the primary gas is introduced into the upstream end of the burner head, to go into the combustion air that flows past the burner head, whereas a smaller part of a secondary gas is introduced into the free end of the burner head and into the constricted part of the annular channel that surrounds the burner head. The gas flow is accelerated past the burner head due to the reducing cross section and is burned downstream in relation to the burning head.
US08292612B2
The mould top support (3) for shaping the bottom of a thermoplastic bottle by what is called the “boxed top” process comprises: a base (10) interposed between the said mould top (3) and a sliding bolster (11) which is guided on the frame (6) of the mould carrier unit, which base (10) is made in the form of a dual-acting cylinder actuator, the rod (14) of which supports said mould top (3). The base plate (17), which closes off the cylinder of the actuator is provided with a rapid assembly finger (18) on the bolster (11). This base plate (17) includes, around the finger (18), on the one hand, holes designed to allow the sealed passage of nozzles that deliver a heat-transfer fluid and demoulding air into the mould top (3) and, on the other hand, zones for the attachment of the feed nozzles for the chambers (21 and 22) of the cylinder actuator, which nozzles are all placed parallel to the axis x-x′ of displacement of said mould top (3).
US08292604B2
A peristaltic pump mechanism comprises a gear having teeth configured for meshed engagement with a drive source, such as a DC motor and a pair of occlusion members configured to compress a transport tube against an occlusion surface. Each occlusion member is mounted on an axle, with one end of the axle mounted on the first gear and an opposite end of each axle engaged by a support member. Two support ribs are mounted between the gear and the support element. The pair of occlusion members includes a first pair of rollers mounted on the gear 180° apart from each other. The two support ribs are mounted on the gear 180° apart from each other and offset 90° from the pair of rollers. The DC motor drives a worm gear in meshed engagement with the gear of the pump mechanism.
US08292603B2
A rotary vacuum pump includes a pump casing on which an intake port flange is formed, a rotor which has a rotating side evacuating device and is driven to rotate at high speed inside the pump casing, and a fixing side evacuating device which is provided inside the pump casing and generates an evacuating effect together with the rotating side evacuating device. The intake port flange is fastened to a device subject to evacuating by a bolt. A through-hole is formed in the intake port flange for inserting the bolt and has a diameter larger than that of the bolt. A gap forming device for forming a gap between the bolt and the through-hole in the intake port flange is provided on a matching surface of the through-hole.
US08292599B2
In a method of operating a compressor at startup, the compressor is rotated in reverse for a brief period of time. The compressor is of a type that does not compress liquid when rotated in reverse. The purpose is to boil off the liquid refrigerant from the oil by heating and agitating the mixture of oil and refrigerant in the oil sump. This results in a much more benign forward start as less refrigerant is drawn into the compressor pump and the amount of oil pumped out of the compressor on start up is minimized. Also, the viscosity of oil is increased and lubrication of the bearings is improved. After a short period of time reverse rotation is stopped and the compressor can start rotating in the forward direction. The short period of time of reverse rotation is varied based upon system conditions. In one embodiment, the variation can occur by reducing the reverse run time as ambient temperature increases. In another embodiment, electrical conditions such as incoming voltage and/or a ratio of voltage to frequency can be utilized to change the reverse run time.
US08292589B2
A casting aluminum alloy which contains, in terms of mass %, 3.2-5.0% Cu, 0.8-3.0% Ni, 1.0-3.0% Mg, 0.05-0.20% Ti, and up to 1.0% Si, the remainder being aluminum and incidental impurities. This casting aluminum alloy is used to produce a cast compressor impeller comprising a hub part, a hub-disk part extending from the hub part in the radial directions and having a hub surface and a disk surface, and blade parts disposed on the hub surface. Compared to conventional aluminum alloys, the casting aluminum alloy has a moderate elongation and a high strength at ordinary temperature and has high strength even at high temperatures.
US08292588B2
An impeller in a centrifugal fan includes a support portion having a cylindrical outer circumferential surface coaxial or substantially coaxial with a center axis and a plurality of moving blades arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion independently of one another and configured to draw an air along the center axis and expel the air radially outwards when rotated about the center axis together with the support portion. At least one of the moving blades includes a first blade portion connected to, and extending radially outwards from, the outer circumferential surface of the support portion, at least one second blade portion having a radial inner end portion radially spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the support portion and a connecting member arranged to interconnect the first blade portion and the second blade portion.
US08292580B2
A metal vane core or strut (64) is formed integrally with an outer backing plate (40). An inner backing plate (38) is formed separately. A spring (74) with holes (75) is installed in a peripheral spring chamber (76) on the strut. Inner and outer CMC shroud covers (46, 48) are formed, cured, then attached to facing surfaces of the inner and outer backing plates (38, 40). A CMC vane airfoil (22) is formed, cured, and slid over the strut (64). The spring (74) urges continuous contact between the strut (64) and airfoil (66), eliminating vibrations while allowing differential expansion. The inner end (88) of the strut is fastened to the inner backing plate (38). A cooling channel (68) in the strut is connected by holes (69) along the leading edge of the strut to peripheral cooling paths (70, 71) around the strut. Coolant flows through and around the strut, including through the spring holes.
US08292559B1
An inventive cargo securement device as described herein integrates a mesh tarp portion with a cargo net portion. In the preferred embodiment, the mesh tarp portion is overlaid upon the cargo net portion to create a substantially smooth, and snag-free side to the device, which allows for easier maneuvering over cargo loads without snagging. The side opposite the smooth side is a lattice work of longitudinal and latitudinal straps overlaid upon the mesh tarp portion and is attached thereto. In use, the lattice work side of the device preferably does not contact the cargo, but provides a foundation for attaching a plurality of anchor points located within the perimeter of the mesh tarp portion. By locating anchor points within the perimeter of the mesh tarp portion, ropes, hooks, winches or a combination thereof can be attached to the anchor points and any slack in the mesh tarp portion can be effectively gathered up. By removing as much slack as possible, this insures that the maximum amount of contacting surface of the device will be applied against a cargo load.
US08292556B2
A key cutting machine has multiple modes of operation, including an automatic mode of operation wherein a clamp mechanism configured to hold a key blank is held without manual assistance in a position engaged with a key cutting element and a motor controls a movement of the clamp mechanism, a semi-automatic mode of operation wherein the clamp mechanism is held without manual assistance in a position engaged with the key cutting element and the motor does not control a movement of the clamp mechanism, and a manual mode of operation wherein the clamp mechanism is manually held in a position engaged with the key cutting element and the motor does not control a movement of the clamp mechanism. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.
US08292552B2
A pushing structure of a metal work drilling tool includes a drill housing, a drill assembly, a push part and a feed trigger. The drill assembly is constituted by a drill bit, an extension rod and a power device. When drilling needs to be conducted, the feed trigger is pressed to drive the drill assembly forward that the drill bit gently contacts with the object for drilling; next, the drilling tool is activated and the feed trigger is pushed, then drilling force can be controlled effectively to improve a drilling efficiency and reduce a chance that the drill bit is broken due to percussion.
US08292546B2
A liquid storage, loading and offloading system includes a storage tank having a water ballast compartment for storing water and a liquid storage compartment for storing liquid. The water ballast compartment and the liquid storage compartment are coupled to each other to form a closed interconnected system with pressurized inert gas above water and liquid. The storage tank is configured symmetrically and the center of gravity and buoyancy of it move along a vertical Z axis. Besides, a pump module may also be included and have a pair of loading pumps and a pair of offloading pumps. The pair of loading pumps operates substantially at equal mass flow rate to displace water with liquid. The pair of offloading pumps also operates substantially at equal mass flow rate to displace liquid with water. Therefore an equal mass flow rate displacement system is formed to keep a constant draft.
US08292535B2
A dispenser includes a thermal storage tip and a housing having a reservoir for containing a product, such as a cosmetics product or a medicinal product. The thermal storage tip comprises a material that is capable of storing and retaining thermal energy during application of the product.
US08292534B2
A liquid applicator adapted to prevent an application liquid from leaking or drying with a small biasing force. A tip unit for a liquid applicator of the present invention includes a tubular member and a valve member. The valve member is biased toward a distal end thereof by a biasing member so as to seal a distal opening portion of the tubular member. The distal opening portion includes a first tapered surface and a second tapered surface located at a proximal side of the first tapered surface. The first and the second tapered surfaces are in contact with a tapered area and a ring of the valve member, respectively, so as to seal the distal opening portion.
US08292533B2
A towel for cleaning vehicles and other surfaces is formed of a combination of microfiber material and chamois material and comprises a first relatively thicker portion; and a second relatively thinner portion. An enclosed region is formed in the first portion for receiving a cleaning agent or disinfectant.
US08292532B2
A propelling container with an inner cylinder, a dispenser head, an inner plate, an annular sealing member, a rotator and a lid body. The rotator has a bottom wall part connected to a lower end of the connecting rod, and a circumferential wall part extending from a periphery of the bottom wall part along an outer face of the inner cylinder and surrounding the inner cylinder, thereby rotatably held by the inner cylinder. The rotator is provided with an elastic body repeatedly contacted with and moved away from a projection of the inner cylinder upon rotation of the rotator to generate a click feeling. A stopper is arranged on a base part of the screw rod and associated with a lower part of the inner plate when the inner plate is positioned at the lowest end of the content filling space, so that rotation of the rotator is prevented.
US08292529B2
A fluid dispenser includes an applicator attached to a base, as well as a case that is at least partially filled with a fluid. The base and case are telescopically mounted together and can be relatively reciprocated to retract and extend the applicator relative to the case. A piston is mounted in the case for outwardly urging the fluid.
US08292528B2
An applicator for applying drywall mastic or other material to a flat drywall surface or to an outside drywall joint or other surface comprises a body member having an upper surface and a lower surface and a pair of opposed ends, a recess in the lower surface for connection to a source of the material to be applied to the surface and at least one pair of opposed arms pivotally mounted on one of the sides of the body member for movement between deployed and retracted positions depending on whether the material is being applied to an outside corner joint or a flat surface, respectively. In another embodiment, the applicator has a pair of relatively moveable blades located in operational relationship with respect to each other for controlling flow of the material from the recess to the surface to which it is being applied.
US08292526B2
A thermal printer has a thermal head for performing printing on a continuously fed recording sheet. A platen roller is mounted to undergo rotation for feeding the recording sheet between the platen roller and the thermal head. A cutting member cuts the recording sheet after printing is performed thereon by the thermal head. A sheet presenter mechanism discharges the recording sheet cut by the cutting member to the exterior. The sheet presenter mechanism is mounted to undergo movement to vary a discharge direction of the recording sheet.
US08292521B2
A device for rotatably mounting a camera on a person comprises first and second connecting means. The first connecting means has a U-shaped slot which is defined by a pocket and a pair of opposed channels which extend from the pocket. The second connecting means has a plate and a truncated cylindrical body mounted on the plate. The plate is slidably received by the U-shaped slot and is rotatable within the U-shaped slot. The truncated cylindrical body is provided with a flat edge. A threaded member extends from one of said first connecting means or said second connecting means. The threaded member is for engaging a threaded female tripod receiver of the camera. The plate of the second connecting means can only be received or released from the U-shaped slot of first connecting means when the flat edge to the truncated cylindrical body of the second connecting means is aligned with one of said opposed channels of the first connecting means.
US08292519B2
An optical module having a second connector unit mounted on the bottom of a first connector unit to reduce the size of the radiation member and the optical module. The optical module includes a first connector unit, a radiation member provided on a first side of the first connector unit to support the first connector unit and radiate heat, a second connector provided on the first connector unit to electrically connect the first connector unit to a PCB, and a fastening member provided on surfaces of the first and second connector units, which face each other, to fasten the first and second connectors to each other. The optical module is advantageous reduces the size of the radiation member and renders a more compact optical module.
US08292515B2
An optical fiber connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes two pairs of first convex lenses projecting from a front mating face thereof and a pair of cone-shaped positioning posts at sides of the pairs of convex lenses respectively. The second connector includes two pairs of second convex lenses projecting from a second front mating face thereof to couple with the first convex lenses and a pair of positioning holes to be inserted with the positioning posts of the first connector. Each of the positioning holes includes a retention section and a guiding section in front of the retention section, and the retention sections is same to the positioning posts while the guiding sections is larger than the position posts in dimension.
US08292514B2
To provide an optical connecting member capable of positioning and connecting a coated fiber by a simple connecting work with high precision, and a method of fitting the same.An optical connector 1 fitted onto an optical fiber 20 that has a coating 24 on an outer periphery of a glass fiber 21 has a ferrule 40 with a glass fiber insertion hole 42, a fixing portion 30 for fixing the optical fiber 20 that is inserted into the glass fiber insertion hole 42 and is abutted to the short optical fiber 41, an insertion port 42a which is a coating removing portion 10 for removing the coating 24 from an end portion of the optical fiber 20 by an insertion force applied the optical fiber 20 to an inner side of the optical connector 1, a deflection space 16 provided between the fixing portion 30 and the coating removing portion 10 to contain the optical fiber 20 in a deflected state therein, wherein a deflection preventing member 70 for preventing partially a deflection of the optical fiber 20 by shielding a part of an insertion direction of the optical fiber 20 in the deflection space 16 is detachably attached.
US08292513B2
Disclosed is a rolling bearing component comprising a metallic support with a spray-compacted metal layer which is applied to the metallic support in a spraying process and is provided with the running surface of the rolling bearing.
US08292508B2
A bearing arrangement includes a bearing outer element that defines a first plurality of races opening radially inwardly, a bearing inner element that defines a second plurality of races opening radially outwardly, and a bearing middle element defining a third plurality of races at its radially outer surface thereof and a fourth plurality of races at its radially inner surface thereof. Rolling elements are receivable in the races. The bearing middle element includes an axial protrusion at least at one end thereof that can be received in a housing with respect to which the bearing outer and inner elements are rotatable.
US08292506B2
A thinner fluid dynamic bearing capable of stable shaft rotation, a motor including the bearing, and a recording-medium driving apparatus including the bearing are provided. Pressure-generating grooves are provided in thrust surfaces of a thrust bearing portion 39 opposite a circular plate 35 and a stopper 33 to attract a working fluid from inner and outer edges of the thrust bearing portion 39 to a radially midway portion thereof as a shaft member 16 rotates relative to a support 22. One or more through-holes 48 are provided between inner edges of annular regions of the thrust surfaces in which the pressure-generating grooves are provided and the midway portion in the radial direction. The through-holes extend through the thrust bearing portion 39 in a central-axis direction of the shaft member.
US08292505B2
A bed and gurney extender for selective attachment to a standard hospital bed or gurney for supporting the head of a patient during scanning, comprising: a support for supporting the head of the patient during scanning, wherein at least a portion of the support is X-ray transparent; and an adapter for selectively attaching the support to the bed or gurney.
US08292492B2
An array of airfoil-shaped micro-mixers that enhances fluid mixing within permeable membrane channels, such as used in reverse-osmosis filtration units, while minimizing additional pressure drop. The enhanced mixing reduces fouling of the membrane surfaces. The airfoil-shaped micro-mixer can also be coated with or comprised of biofouling-resistant (biocidal/germicidal) ingredients.
US08292489B2
A back plate assembly utilized in a side light type backlight module includes two cases each including a main plate, a side plate extending upwardly extending from an end of the main plate and a pressing plate inwardly extending from a free end of the side plate. An opposite end of the main plate of one of the cases has a first stepped portion extending inwardly from a top portion thereof, and an opposite end of the main plate of the other one of the cases has a second stepped portion extending inwardly from a bottom portion thereof. A plurality of bolts extend through the second and first stepped portions and secure the cases together. A space is defined between the first and second cases for receiving a light guiding plate and a reflection plate between the main plates and the light guiding plate.
US08292482B2
A mounting collar on a light fixture provides a compressive force between the illumination module and a light fixture. For example, a mounting collar that is fixed to the light fixture may engage with an illumination module to deform elastic mounting members on the illumination module to generate the compressive force. The mounting collar may include tapered features on first and second members that are moveable with respect to each other and that when engaged generate the compressive force. The mounting collar may include elastic mounting members on first and second members that move with respect to each other, wherein the movement deforms the elastic mounting members to generate the compressive force. The mounting collar may include an elastic member, wherein movement movement of the mounting collar relative to a light fixture deforms the elastic member to generate the compressive force.
US08292478B2
A signaling system for mounting to an exterior surface of an emergency vehicle is provided. The signaling system includes a light bar and a pair of mounting feet. The light bar can include a plurality of signaling devices supported on and distributed along a base member and enclosed by a cover. The light bar can be secured to the mounting feet via a plurality of fasteners. The mounting feet can be connected to the emergency vehicle via roof straps. Each mounting foot can include a base, which can have a support portion, a contoured portion, and a pair of compartments; a pair of seals associated with each compartment; a pair of covers, which can be translucent, removably mounted to the base to enclose the compartments; and a roof strap secured to the base. Each compartment can house a signaling device, such as a lamp assembly.
US08292469B2
An LED (light emitting diode) includes a light emitting chip and a lens above the chip. The lens includes a base and a convex curved circumferential surface extending upwardly from a periphery of the base toward a center of the lens. An acute angle formed between a light ray generated by the chip and projecting on a point of the convex curved circumferential surface and a main axis of the lens extending vertically from a center of the chip is smaller than that formed between the normal for the point of the convex curved circumferential surface and the main axis of the lens so that light generated by the chip is converged by the lens. A light-emission angle of the LED at 10% of a peak light intensity of the LED is ranged between 60-75 degrees from the main axis.
US08292458B2
An LED lamp is specified, comprising at least one LED and at least one radiation-emitting semiconductor component, it being the case that when the LED lamp is operating, the at least one LED emits visible light and the at least one radiation-emitting semiconductor component emits electromagnetic radiation having a peak intensity outside the visible region of the spectrum.
US08292436B2
An acoustic projection screen includes a screen base and a carbon nanotube layer. The carbon nanotube layer is attached to the screen base and connected to electrodes.
US08292431B2
A medical imaging apparatus capable of concurrently performing a plurality of imaging operations including an imaging sequence setting unit configured to set a sequence for each of the plurality of imaging operations, an overlapping determination unit configured to determine temporal overlapping between an imaging sequence of an imaging operation that is currently performed and an imaging sequence for an imaging operation that is to be started, and an imaging sequence adjustment unit configured to adjust, based on a result of determination made by the overlapping determination unit, the imaging sequence for the imaging operation that is to be started.
US08292429B2
A progressive ophthalmic lens includes at least one complex surface having a principal progression meridian. The complex surface has a horizontal reseau of bands and at least one geometrical quantity of the complex surface is substantially equal in all bands of the reseau for a given point of a vertical.
US08292426B2
A nose support for glasses including: a fitting fixed to a glass frame by means of welding; a T-shaped fixing leg fixed to the fitting by means of welding; a silicone tube having a first hole and a first insertion groove formed on the upper side thereof, a second hole and a second insertion groove formed on the lower side thereof, a third hole formed to be penetrated into the first insertion groove and the second insertion groove, reinforcement protruding portions formed outside the first insertion groove and the second insertion groove, and a depressed portion formed between the reinforcement protruding portions; a nose pad-coupling fitting having the T-shaped fixing projection fittingly inserted into the second hole and the second insertion groove of the silicone tube; and a nose pad fixed to the nose pad-coupling fitting by means of a screw.
US08292416B2
An inkjet printer head includes a nozzle plate having nozzles for jetting ink; a flow path plate having flow paths for communicating with the nozzles, each of the flow paths including a pressure chamber and a resistance part having a smaller cross-sectional area than the pressure chamber, wherein piezoelectric elements having smaller horizontal areas than the flow paths are laminated on the flow path plate; and a common liquid chamber configured to guide the ink from an opening to the pressure chamber. The common liquid chamber is formed by a first member and a second member. The first member forms a top part of the common liquid chamber, and the second member forms a side surface and a bottom surface of a bottom part of the common liquid chamber by adhering to an outer wall of the first member and to an ink jetting surface of the nozzle plate.
US08292411B2
A multi-color ink tank is adapted to replace individual different color ink tanks in a cavity of a given support structure. Elements on the body of the multi-color ink tank have configurations enabling compatibility with the support structure. The elements include empty opposite side portions of the body defining laterally spaced apart bottom openings that adapt the opposite side portions to seat in spaced slots in the cavity over keys therein and an intermediate central recessed region defined between the opposite side portions that adapts the body to straddle an intermediate slot between the spaced slots and a key therein and also straddle partitions in the cavity forming the slots. The elements also include tabs blocking some latches used to releasably lock some individual ink tanks to thereby identify the latch to be used to releasably lock the multi-color ink tank.
US08292409B2
Disclosed is an ink jet head exhibiting good assemblability while protecting an electrode portion. An ink jet head (10) comprising a head chip (2) including drive walls (22) and channels (23) juxtaposed alternately with a drive electrode (25) being formed on the drive wall (22), and a nozzle plate (24) wherein a connection electrode is formed on the rear surface of the head chip (2), a wiring board (3) on which an electrode portion (32) is formed is bonded to project from the head chip (2), and ink in the channel (23) is ejected by causing shear deformation of the drive wall (22) is further provided with a holding member (5) disposed at a position covering the electrode portion (32) and holding a portion (31) of the wiring board (3) projecting from the head chip (2), and an electrode portion protection member (4) bonded between the holding member (5) and the electrode portion (32) using adhesive and having a thickness in the range of 0.01-0.5 mm at a part covering the electrode portion (32).
US08292406B2
An inkjet printer includes a cradle; a print cartridge removably received in the cradle, the print cartridge housing a plurality of ink storage reservoirs and a pagewidth printhead; a rotor element provided on the print cartridge, the rotor element having a platen face, a capping face, and a blotter face; and a rotor element drive assembly provided on the cradle for rotating the rotor element to position one of the platen face, the capping face, and the blotter face adjacent to the pagewidth printhead. The print cartridge is provided with a pair of end plates attached to opposite ends of the print cartridge, each end plate defining a slot within which a spring is provided. The rotor element is mounted within the slots and biased towards the printhead by the springs.
US08292396B2
An image forming apparatus estimates a temperature at nozzles in consideration of temperature changes in a recording head, by temperature sensors provided at an ink supply port and an ink eject port in the recording head. From the estimated temperature and a temperature difference between when feeding ink and when ejecting ink, a temperature control based on heating/cooling is performed by combining a fan and a heater with heating/cooling based on the peltier element, so as to fall within a drivable temperature range in which the nozzles properly discharge ink.
US08292394B2
An apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet, a carriage configured to support and cause a recording head to scan for performing an operation on the conveyed sheet, a curl amount acquiring unit configured to acquire a curl amount of the sheet when a leading edge of the sheet reaches a predetermined position, a threshold value acquiring unit configured to acquire a threshold value of an allowable curl amount when the sheet passes through the predetermined position, and a control unit configured to control the operation such that, when the acquired curl amount exceeds the threshold value, time taken from a start of the operation on the predetermined recording area to a point when the leading edge reaches the predetermined position is increased more than when the curl amount does not exceed the threshold value.
US08292390B2
Flushing data include pixels that are flushing dot candidates in a virtual area where a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix. One or less pixel is arranged in a plurality of rows of pixels arranged in lines extending in the main scan direction and the direction of conveyance of a sheet and third and fourth directions that are orthogonal to each other and that cross each other at an angle of 45°. A head control section controls an inkjet head such that image dots and flushing dots corresponding to flushing dot candidates that pertain to flushing data and that are situated at locations where no image dots are generated, are produced on a sheet.
US08292384B2
A liquid droplet ejection device includes a recording section, a moving section, and a driving signal supplying section. In the recording section, plural liquid droplet ejectors are arrayed, each liquid droplet ejector has a driving element, and ejects a liquid droplet onto a recording medium in response to a driving signal being supplied to the driving element. The moving section moves the recording section and the recording medium relative to one another in a direction intersecting the array direction of the liquid droplet ejectors. The driving signal supplying section generates, when plural types of liquid droplets having different droplet volumes are ejected onto the recording medium while the recording section and the recording medium are moved relatively, the driving signals such that, the smaller a droplet volume of a liquid droplet, the faster the ejection speed of the liquid droplet.
US08292383B2
A refrigerator includes a body, a first door and a second door, where one of their edges is fixed to the opposite side of the opening of the body, and a beam which is joined to one edge of the first door which is opposite the fixed edge of the door. The beam can be pivoted by a guiding projection which can be displaced in a guiding groove on the edge of the opening, between a position when the first door is closed, in which one edge of the second door, which is opposite the fixed edge of said door, is applied to the beam, and a position when the first door is open, wherein the beam can pass to the closed second door. The guiding projection can be displaced in relation to the first door in the direction of the pivotable axis thereof.
US08292377B2
A computer includes a chassis and a stowage structure. The stowage structure includes a connecting member mounted to a side plate of the chassis, a cover plate rotatably mounted to the connecting member, and a first supporting plate rotatably mounted to the cover plate to accommodate a first peripheral device between the cover plate and the first supporting plate.
US08292371B2
An adaptive advance control system for a construction machine senses the reaction forces applied by the ground surface to a milling drum, and in response to the sensed changes in those reaction forces controls the rate of lowering the milling drum into the ground surface. Early and rapid detection of such changes in reaction forces allow the control system to aid in preventing lurch forward events of the construction machine.
US08292370B1
The present invention may be used for attachment of a variety of seats and legs. A bracket may have a generally circular metal plate with bolt holes for receipt of bolts of a rotatable seat element. A seat mounting plate may be positioned above the circular metal plate on a support beam. The rotatable seat element may be attached by the bolts and fasteners to the bracket and to the top of a central pedestal by a central shaft. A plurality of legs may be attached to a middle portion and a bottom portion of the central pedestal. A generally annular footrest may be arranged around the central pedestal and attached to a second edge of the legs that are splayed outwardly and generally equidistant radially from the central pedestal.
US08292369B2
An adjusting device for a vehicle seat includes a brake housing that is centered about an actuating rotational axis. The brake housing is formed in a radial direction of the actuating rotational axis and includes a housing element that is generally circular and has a outer side wall, and upper wall and an inner side wall.
US08292368B1
An electrically-operated seating apparatus for use on a boat which assists a user in standing up or sitting down is intended for use by elderly and/or disabled users, particularly in low-riding boats such as bass-boats, ski-boats and the like. The apparatus comprises a chair assembly mounted to the boat deck and a drive assembly which raises the seat up and down and tilts seat portion forward with the aid of electrical drive motors. In such a manner, the user can be assisted when getting into or out of the chair. Each side of the seat portion is provided with a small armrest to help secure the individual as well as aid in the lifting and lowering process. The electric motors would be powered from the boat battery and controlled through a set of arm-mounted switches.
US08292367B2
The present invention relates to a pumping device for a seat cushion of a vehicle, in which a brake assembly 40 is disposed outside a clutch assembly 30 and parts are arranged in a line, such that it is possible to reduce the entire size, volume, and weight, thereby reducing cost. Further, because it is possible to prevent pollution of parts, it is possible to improve the durability, performance, and quality. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce operational noise and improve operational sensitivity.
US08292364B2
A vehicle seat head rest for mounting to a vehicle seat of a vehicle includes a head pillow and an electronic appliance including a screen module detachably mounted at the head pillow. The head pillow includes a pillow body having a receiving cavity formed at the rear side of the pillow body, a mounting arrangement for mounting to the vehicle seat, and a replaceable skin detachably encasing the pillow body at a position that a peripheral edge of the replaceable skin is folded at the rear side of the pillow body. The screen module is detachably mounted within the receiving cavity and is supported by an interior wall thereof. Thus, the peripheral edge of the replaceable skin is hidden after the screen module is detachably mounted at the rear side of the head pillow.
US08292361B2
A collapsible chair has a frame and a cover attaching thereto. The frame has a left side stand and an identical right side stands, which linked by four pairs of scissoring linking bars. A hook frame and a pillar frame are provided pivotally linked to the frame. The pillar frame has side pillars securely formed thereon and the hook frame has hooks defined in an end thereof. The hooks and the pillars are able to engage when the collapsible chair is fully expanded, which makes the collapsible chair self-stable and much safer: a loose or broken soft cover or attachment thereof to the frame will not cause breakdown of the whole frame which may serious injure the user.
US08292347B1
A transparent laminated structure having multiple peel-away laminated film layers for protecting windscreens, particularly windscreens of rotary aircraft, from environmental conditions. The laminated structure includes at least one laminated layer wherein each layer includes a film, a bonding layer on a first major side of the film for releaseably attaching the film to either the windscreen or to an adjacent laminated film layer, optionally a conductive material on a second major side of the film for dissipating electrostatic charging in the laminated structure that may occur due to accumulated precipitation static during aircraft fight, and a hard coat layer for protecting the relatively softer film against abrasion. A keyed removal system is provided simplify determining the number of film layers remaining on the windscreen and to aid in the sequential removal of film layers which become degraded below acceptable levels, thereby exposing a subsequent unblemished film layer.
US08292346B2
A passenger's weight measurement device for a vehicle seat, capable of suppressing generation of an initial load, has a pair of slide rails extending in parallel and fixed to the vehicle floor, and a pair of side frames that support the seat and are disposed above the pair of slide rails. Load cells are disposed between the pair of the slide rails and the pair of the side frames. A set of first connection frames for connecting both ends of the pair of side frames extend in parallel to be perpendicular to the pair of side frames. Second and third connecting frames connect middle parts of the pair of slide rails so as to be perpendicular to the slide rails. The pair of the slide rails and the second and a third connecting frames constitute an H-shaped frame. The load cells include an elastic member having a varied-diameter portion.
US08292339B1
A system for picking up objects—such as pet waste, debris, and similar noxious materials—and automatically sealing objects within a disposable liner. The liner is installed on a hand-held scooper device by an automatic applicator. The liners comprise a self-sealing feature adapted to assist in encapsulating the waste. The applicator also functions as a storage holder for the hand-held scoop.
US08292337B2
A device for controlling a door, the device having: a body; an electromagnet arranged to generate a magnetic field for retaining the door; a coupling that couples the electromagnet to the body, the coupling being arranged to allow a movement of the electromagnet relative to the body; and a current supply that is arranged to supply the electromagnet with a current. The current supply is arranged to detect the movement of the electromagnetic and to cease supplying the current at a predetermined instant after detecting the movement of the electromagnet.
US08292334B2
An improved flared cone fitting of the type having a male portion and a female portion having a tube, an inverted conical annulus, a nut, and a joinder portion, may be disclosed. It is improved by the joinder portion including a back-side annular face, which may define a void. The joinder portion may also include an abutment intended to contact a shoulder of a fitting nut and properly direct forces exerted on the nut.
US08292330B2
An insertable tube system for a vacuum cleaner, with at least one first tube, a second tube and a coupling for detachable connection of the first tube to the second tube, the coupling having a guide element and a lever button, the guide element being located on the outside of the wall of the first tube, the lever button in the guide element being supported to be able to move around a pivot axis, the lever button being movable by the force of at least a first spring element into a catch position, and the lever button having a catch projection on the bottom, the wall of the first tube having an opening for the catch projection of the lever button, and a mechanical connection between the first tube and the second tube being producible by engagement of the catch projection with a catch recess of the second tube.
US08292329B2
A seat belt for dogs and cats is configured to couple to both a buckle and a prong of a vehicle seat belt system. In one embodiment, a detachable seat belt kit comprises a restraint strap having a coupling member and a harness having a securing member which is configured to couple to the coupling member. The harness includes a first connector and a second connector adapted to releasably couple to a first prong and a first buckle of a shoulder/lap belt combination seat belt system respectively. The harness further includes a first harness portion between a first harness end and a second harness end. The first harness portion includes a first intermediate point at which the securing member is affixed. The restraint strap includes a second intermediate point where the coupling member is affixed.
US08292326B2
A stabilizer is disclosed for a three-wheel vehicle having a frame extending between a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the frame supports a front steering wheel and with the rear portion of the frame supports plural driving wheels. The stabilizer comprises a right and a left stabilizing wheel mounted on a right and a left side of the frame. The right and left stabilizing wheels are positioned above the supporting surface when the three-wheel vehicle moves in a straight direction on a supporting surface. The right and left stabilizing wheels engage the supporting surface when the vehicle is turned in a right and a left direction respectively for stabilizing the three-wheel vehicle while maintaining steering ability. Preferably, the stabilizer includes a right and a left director for directing the right and left stabilizing wheels in a forward direction when the right and left stabilizing wheels are positioned above the supporting surface. The invention is also incorporated into an accessory stabilizer unit adapted for mounting onto existing three-wheel vehicles.
US08292322B2
A supplemental inflatable restraint system is provided for use with a vehicle having an instrument panel at a forward end therein. A hush panel, which defines a cavity configured to nest the SIR therein, is attached to a lower portion of the instrument panel. The cavity has an opening facing in a generally downward direction. A cushion is operable to transition through the opening from a non-expanded state, in which the cushion is inside the cavity, to an expanded state, in which the cushion is outside the cavity. A fluid dispensing apparatus regulates transition of the cushion from the non-expanded to the expanded state. A closeout door is attached to the hush panel to cover the cushion, and transition from a closed to an open position. The hush panel acts as a structural reaction surface for the cushion, and is generally not visible to a vehicle occupant seated upright and adjacent thereto.
US08292321B2
A golf bag cart foldable device includes a bottom cart stand having a plate joint in pinned connection with a rear wheel frame to connect to rear wheels and is connected to a bag base. The bottom of the bag base is further joined to a front wheel frame, to connect to the front wheel. An upper cart stand is pivotally connected to the plate joint. A sliding chunk set, slideable along the bottom cart stand, includes an active sliding chunk and a passive sliding chunk. A link set is connected to the upper cart stand, the bottom cart stand, the front wheel frame, the rear wheel frames and the sliding chunk set respectively. A folding joint has a buckle for release of the folding joint. Simultaneous unfolding or folding can be accomplished, followed by locking for the folding joint, to facilitate handiness in use.
US08292298B2
A folding game board is provided for use with game pieces. The system includes a flat game board which comprises four panels. Each panel comprises a playing surface and a compartment opposite the playing surface. Certain panels are hinged together to permit each of two pairs of compartments to fold and close independently to form two storage areas within which playing pieces may be stored. Other panels are hinged together to permit the two storage areas to be folded together, thereby stacking the four panels of the game board. The depth of the storage areas is based on the size necessary to accommodate playing pieces and accessories to be stored within the game board.
US08292297B2
A sheet separation mechanism includes a separation claw holder, a separation claw, a first coil spring and a second coil spring. The separation claw holder can be provided at a predetermined place in the image forming apparatus. The separation claw includes a separation claw base pivotally supported by the separation claw holder and a separation claw front-end pivotally supported by the separation claw base. The first coil spring is configured to apply a force to rotate the separation claw base toward an intermediate transfer belt. The second coil spring is configured to apply a force to rotate the separation claw front-end toward the intermediate transfer belt.
US08292296B2
Apparatus for varying the speed of printed products having an external eccentric assembly and method
An apparatus for varying the speed of printed products is provided. The apparatus includes a nip roll rotatable about a nip roll axis and an eccentric assembly external of the nip roll coupled to the nip roll coincident with the nip roll axis. The eccentric assembly is adapted to eccentrically move the nip roll. A method of varying the speed of a printed product in a printing press is also provided.
US08292295B2
A sheet measuring apparatus includes a first rotating member that includes a first peripheral surface portion that contacts a transported sheet; a second rotating member that includes a second peripheral surface portion made of a material different from that of the first peripheral surface portion, the second peripheral surface contacting the first peripheral surface portion and not contacting the sheet; a first rotation amount detecting unit that detects a first rotation amount that is a rotation amount of the first rotating member; a second rotation amount detecting unit that detects a second rotation amount that is a rotation amount of the second rotating member, the second rotation amount being used for a calculation related to the transported sheet; and a fault detecting unit that detects a fault that has occurred in the first rotating member on the basis of the first rotation amount and the second rotation amount.
US08292293B2
The skew feeding amount of a sheet front end is calculated according to the difference between timings when activation sensors detect the sheet front end, and the skew feeding amount of the sheet side edge is calculated according to the difference between side edge positions of the sheet detected by the first side registration detection sensor or the second side registration detection sensor. Further, whether a sheet is a rectangular sheet or a non-rectangular sheet is determined before skew feeding of the sheet is corrected, and, when the sheet is determined to be a rectangular sheet, the skew feeding correcting portion is controlled based on one of the sheet side edge skew feeding amount and sheet front end skew feeding amount and the skew feeding correcting portion is controlled based on the sheet side edge skew feeding amount when the sheet is determined to be a non-rectangular sheet.
US08292291B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit forming an image on a recording medium; a first transportation route that forms a transportation route for the recording medium extending to an outside of the apparatus, and that has a transportation route length longer than a maximum length in a transportation direction of the recording medium, the transportation route length being from an image formation functional unit at a most downstream portion of the image forming unit in the transportation direction to an output position of the recording medium; and a recording medium transportation unit that, upon output of a part of the recording medium from the first transportation route, stops the transportation in a state of holding a remaining part of the recording medium in the first transportation route, and outputs the recording medium to the outside in accordance with pull out operation for the stopped recording medium.
US08292289B2
A transport device, which transports a sheet set in a set section toward the downstream side on a transport path, includes a restricting member. The restricting member is provided at a set position of the sheet in the set section, and is displaced to restrict the sheet moving toward the downstream side on the transport path. The restricting member includes a restricting section that comes in contact with a front end of the sheet from the downstream side on the transport path, and is rotatable about a shaft extending along the transport path so as to be displaced between a first position where the restricting section protrudes on the transport path and a second position where the restricting section retracts from the transport path.
US08292285B2
A sheet processing apparatus capable of maintaining alignment of sheets of a sheet bundle on a processing tray even in a job uses sheets including particular sheets. In the sheet processing apparatus (finisher), a sheet conveyed along a conveying path is retained in a buffer path. The sheet and the following sheet are stacked on a processing tray in a state superposed with a shift in a conveying direction. A finisher controller determines in advance, before a conveyed sheet reaches the buffer path, whether or not the sheet is a particular sheet having a protrusion. When the sheet retained in the buffer path and the following sheet are to be superposed one upon the other, the amount of the shift between the sheets in the conveying direction is controlled according to a result of the determination by the finisher controller.
US08292283B2
To provide a post-processing apparatus for enabling a bunch of sheets and a single sheet to be folded in simplified structure, and further enabling the folded sheet and sheets that are not folded to be mixed and bound, the post-processing apparatus has a processing tray to collate and collect sheets to perform binding processing, and a folding processing path having a folding processing section, and a folded sheet carrying-out path for carrying out a folded sheet is provided on the downstream side of the folding processing path. Then, the folded sheet carrying-out path is comprised of a circulating path for guiding the folded sheet again to the folding processing section, a post-processing path for guiding the folded sheet to the processing tray to perform post-processing, and a sheet discharge path for guiding the folded sheet to a storage stacker.
US08292281B1
A stake installation tool for installing a stake in strata wherein the stake has a head at one end and a strata penetrator at the other end. The stake installation tool includes a driver. The stake installation tool further includes a stake retention assembly including a retention body, which contains a retention passageway. There is a flexible holder connected to the retention body. The head of the stake is received within the retention passageway and the flexible holder engages the head of the stake to operatively retain the stake.
US08292278B2
A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.
US08292274B2
A spring system for relatively displacing elements attached to end mounts of the rod assembly comprises a housing having a rod member movable between extended and retracted positions relative thereto, and a first compression spring in the housing surrounded by a second compression spring for biasing the rod member to one of an extended or retracted position relative to the housing. The two springs are oppositely wound whereby, from a compressed condition, the spring rod exerts an expansion force which increases at a linear rate. The spring system includes a valve arrangement to control the rate at which the spring rod moves from a retracted position to an extended position.
US08292269B2
A microscopic bubble generating apparatus includes a Roots-type pump including a pair of multi-lobed Roots rotors housed in a pump casing, and a drive motor rotating the rotors, a suction pipe connected to a suction port of the pump casing, a discharge pipe connected to a discharge port of the pump casing, and a conduit communicating with the suction pipe and having an air inlet and a collision member with which sucked water is caused to collide. The pump is operated to suck water through the suction pipe and to cause the water mixed with air sucked through the air inlet to collide with the collision member so that a number of bubbles are generated. The bubbles are refined by a compressing action of the pump to be rendered microscopic. The water containing the microscopic bubbles is released from the discharge pipe into water in a septic tank or river.
US08292259B2
A magnetic valve arrangement for controlling flow of fluid, the magnetic valve arrangement having at least one ferromagnetic element forming a portion of a magnetic circuit, a valve member and a valve seat; the valve member has a passage therethrough for the flow of fluid and is moveable between a first position, in which the valve member abuts the valve seat to restrict a fluid flow, and a second position, in which the valve member is spaced from the valve seat to allow a fluid flow into and through the passage in the valve member, wherein the position of the valve member is dependent on the temperature of the ferromagnetic element.
US08292257B2
A flush water volume control arrangement includes a replacement member for interchangeably replacing a conventional pusher member and for being slidably coupled with a valve body, wherein the replacement member has a sized configuration different from a sized configuration of the conventional pusher member and is adapted for being actuated by a flush actuator to push at a flushing shaft so as to complete a flushing operation with a relatively low volume of water lower than the volume of flush water through the conventional pusher member.
US08292255B2
The invention relates to a hybrid tooling (1) for the curing of composite pieces, comprising a support structure (3) made of a metallic material with high thermal diffusivity, a base plate (31) with an identical surface geometry as that of the piece to be cured, made of INVAR 36 or NILO 36, an intermediate structure (21) between the support structure (3) and the base plate (31), with a cell configuration, with the sides of each cell sufficiently lightened so as to facilitate the flow of air under the base plate (31) during the curing cycle, made of INVAR 36 or NILO 36, and means of fixing the intermediate structure (21) to the support structure (3) which allow their free expansion.
US08292252B2
In a support for a turbine, which turbine has an outer casing which is split into an upper section (11) and a lower section (12) in a horizontal parting plane, in which upper section (11) and lower section (12) are screwed to each other on a horizontal flange (13; 13a, 13b) which lies in the parting plane, the support includes a multiplicity of essentially vertical supports (31) which by an upper end act on the outer casing (18) and by the lower end are supported on a foundation. With such a support, optimum points of application on the outer casing are achieved with the threaded flange connection without limitations by one or more of the supports (31) acting by the upper end on the horizontal flange (13; 13a, 13b) and being part of the horizontal threaded flange connection.
US08292248B2
A platform comprising: a base; a first platform unit rotatably mounted to the base and being rotatable about a first axis relative to the base; a second platform unit rotatably mounted to the first platform unit and be rotatable about a second axis relative to the first platform unit; and a flexible transmitting device connected between the base and the first platform unit and/or the first platform unit and the second platform unit for transmitting power and/or data. The flexible transmitting device is arranged to wind about the first axis when the first platform unit is rotated about the first axis and/or wind about the second axis when the second platform unit is rotated about the second axis.
US08292240B2
Stand, in particular camera stand, comprising: a receptacle for mounting an apparatus, in particular a camera; and at least one leg which is connected to the receptacle and comprises at least two telescopic units (T1, T2), of which a first telescopic unit (T1) is connected to the receptacle and a second telescopic unit (T2) is displaceable relative to the first telescopic unit and can be locked in a desired position in relation to the first telescopic unit (T1), characterized in that two locking points set apart in the longitudinal direction of the leg are provided between the second telescopic unit (T2) and the first telescopic unit (T1) for locking the telescopic units (T1, T2).
US08292239B1
A collapsible food storage bag holder for supporting food storage bags. The holder can include supports for supporting food storage bags, connectors for connecting food storage bags to the holder, braces, and bag clips. The supports can be telescoping and can have pivotable arms.
US08292222B2
Aircraft air-conditioning system (1) for an aircraft having a plurality of zones (2, 4), comprising a first line (6) for feeding cold air at an actual temperature T1act., a second line (14) which branches off a portion of the air from the first line (6) at a branching point (10) and feeds the air to a plurality of zones (2, 4) of an aircraft, wherein warm air is fed through a first trim valve (12) into the second line (14) so that the air in the second line (14) is heated to the actual temperature T2act., and a first zone feed line (24) feeding the air downstream of the first trim valve (12) to a first zone (2), wherein a second trim valve (26) is arranged in the first zone feed line (24), through which valve warm air is fed into the first zone feed line (24) so that the air in the first zone feed line (24) is heated to the actual temperature Tzf1act., and the first line (6) downstream and/or upstream of the branching point (1) feeds cold air at least to one further zone. A second feed line (18) feeds air downstream of the first adjustment (12) to a second zone (4). A heating device (20) can be arranged in the second feed line (18).
US08292204B2
True zero-clearance cutting on a commercial scale is provided via a cutting area including a sacrifice material that is relatively softer than the cutter. One example is a cutting system which is capable of cutting a material such as, for example, tape or paper, into a fiber or powder. The cutting system includes a cutting blade, typically a rotary cutter, and a sacrificial plate or round bar contacting the cutting blade. The contacting portion has a zero clearance during the cutting operation. A metering mechanism is also provided which is capable of metering the material at a predetermined rate to the cutting blade. A mechanism is also provided for incrementally moving the sacrificial blade towards the cutting blade to ensure that the zero clearance is maintained between the cutting blade and the sacrificial plate, even when the sacrificial plate begins to wear down due to usage. Also, destruction of the material is further enhanced by advantageous strategic patterning of cutting edges on a rotary cutter, and further by secondary shredding features. Systems are provided for reducing to-be-destroyed paper and other relatively-thin planar materials to a dust or powder-size.
US08292199B2
A locking element for a dispenser for discharging a medium, with an insert body, which has an outlet channel and an exit opening for the medium to be discharged, and a piston element which has a piston head co-operating with a piston seat and at least one elastic resilient leg, characterized in that a sealing element is arranged in the outlet channel, which forms the piston seat, and the piston element with the at least one resilient leg is arranged in an enlarging channel portion of the outlet channel, wherein the piston head is pre-tensioned against the piston seat and is pushed out of the piston seat by the exiting medium.
US08292197B2
A system for continuously metering and transporting a powder comprises means (104-107) for fluidizing (F2) the powder in a closed reservoir (4), a tube (110) dipping into the fluidized powder (L4) and discharging (110B) to the outside of the reservoir (4), and means (S2, C2) for pressurizing the reservoir. The system further comprises supply means (C3) for continuously supplying pressurizing gas from the reservoir (4) to a chamber (V6) for mixing the gas with fluidized powder leaving the tube (110), said supply means (C3) being equipped with or constituting a constriction (R3) to the flow of the pressurizing gas. A hose (7) for transporting the powder mixed with the pressurizing gas is connected to the downstream end of the mixing chamber (V6).
US08292194B2
A process for mixing a liquid or mixture of a liquid and a fine solid present in a vessel, in which the vessel is supplied with the same liquid or the same mixture as a motive jet of a jet nozzle which is present in the vessel and has a motive jet and a momentum exchange chamber, the suction region between motive nozzle and momentum exchange chamber being provided with a sheath which has a suction orifice below the central jet leading from the motive nozzle into the momentum exchange chamber.
US08292192B1
The automated humidity control system controls the humidity within a setter hall. The system continuously monitors the existing setter hall thermal conditions and electronically compares the existing conditions to computerized data describing the targeted conditions. The system then takes action to conform the existing condition to the targeted condition.
US08292185B2
A circuit includes an antenna terminal for generating a current through electromagnetic induction. The circuit also includes a rectifier for receiving the current and generating a rectified power supply voltage. In addition, the circuit includes a voltage clamp for sinking at least some of the current from the antenna terminal based on the rectified power supply voltage from the rectifier. The voltage clamp could include a control circuit (such as an N-channel transistor and a resistor) for controlling the sinking of at least some of the current from the antenna terminal. The voltage clamp could also include a sink circuit (such as an N-channel transistor) for sinking at least some of the current from the antenna terminal. The voltage clamp could further include a sink control circuit (such as a P-channel transistor and a resistor) for activating and deactivating the sink circuit based on operation of the control circuit.
US08292183B2
An indicia reading terminal can include a multiple setting imaging lens assembly and an image sensor having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, an indicia reading terminal in an active reading state can cycle through a set of different lens settings, expose pixels of an image sensor array during an exposure period when each new lens setting is achieved, and attempt to decode decodable indicia represented in frames of image data captured corresponding to each exposure period. In one embodiment, movement of an imaging lens assembly lens element can be provided with use of a hollow stepper motor.
US08292176B2
A card processing device for use with a card may include a first card processing section and a second card processing section. The first card processing section may include a card insertion slot at one end of the card processing section for inserting the card, and a magnetic head for reading magnetic information recorded in the card. The second card processing section may include a card transfer mechanism for transferring the card, and a recorder for recording information into the card. The second card processing section is connected to the other end of the first card processing station.
US08292166B2
A matrix code reader may detect a matrix code (such as a QR code), which may be displayed along with content and include information identifying the content. The matrix code reader may obtain user information associated with a social networking service and, based at least on the content information and the user information, may transmit an instruction to the social networking service to perform a social networking service function. The matrix code reader may obtain the user information and/or the instruction to perform the social networking service function from information included in the matrix code, from a non-transitory storage medium of the matrix code reader, from a user, and so on. In some implementations, the matrix code reader may determine that additional information or a confirmation to transmit the instructions is needed and may prompt a user for the additional information or confirmation.
US08292165B2
By thoroughly investigating compatibility of a plurality of smart card drivers to applications available on a given smart card, a smart card framework module may be afforded additional flexibility in communications with the smart card. The additional flexibility is allowed by additional checking with a plurality of smart card drivers before communicating with the smart card, rather than simply using the first compatible smart card driver found. Furthermore, when employing an application available on the given smart card, a correct smart card driver is to be selected from among the plurality of smart card drivers.
US08292162B2
An envelope according to the present invention includes an envelope body having a first end and defining an interior area selectively accessible adjacent the first end through which articles may be inserted. The envelope includes a flap extending from the first end that is selectively movable between first and second configurations in which the interior area is accessible or enclosed, respectively. Further, the envelope includes adhesive situated on the flap for interacting with the envelope body to maintain the flap at the second configuration. In addition, flavoring is disposed the flap, but at a position that is adjacent to and distinct from the adhesive. The envelope may include first and second indicia on the flap, with one indicia including only adhesive and with the other indicia including only flavoring. The indicia may present geometric shapes, or alphanumeric data such as an advertisement or other messages.
US08292155B2
A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.
US08292144B2
The pneumatic nailer has an elbowed feeder magazine for feeding fasteners one at a time. The magazine has an elongated inner frame segment fixedly mounted to the nailer main frame, an elongated outer frame segment operatively connected in non-coaxial fashion to the inner frame segment. Each of the inner and outer frame segments has a corresponding first and second channels, for slidingly retaining fasteners in coextensive slidethrough fashion. The fasteners are movable under gravity forces from a fastener intake to a fastener discharge outlet opposite the fastener intake. A fastener pusher device may be provided with a pusher retention device having an operative mode, active with a large storage load of fasteners into the magazine, and an inoperative mode, triggered when the load of magazine fasteners decreases below a threshold value.
US08292139B2
A pannier mounting system includes a pair of hooks that are positioned at generally opposite ends of a handle and secure a pannier to a bicycle. A latch and a stop cooperate with each hook to snuggly enclose a rail in a manner that is generally independent of the cross-sectional size/shape of the rail. The latch is connected to the hook by a pivot and extends outward generally under the hook. The stop is pivotably and slidably connected to the hook and cooperates with the hook to generally fix a position of the latch. Translation of the handle toward the hooks closes and locks the latch about a rail member and translation of the handle away from the hooks unlocks the latch so that the mounting system can be removed from a rail.
US08292129B2
A dispensing device for liquid media having a housing, a medium reservoir, an outlet opening for dispensing the medium and an inlet opening for intake of air for the purpose of volume equalization in the medium reservoir, wherein a cap is provided that is fittable onto the housing and protects the outlet opening when in the fitted state. The cap closes the inlet opening in gas-tight manner from an environment on the one hand and from the outlet opening on the other hand.
US08292122B2
A fluid containing and dispersing apparatus comprising, a primary fluid containing chamber and a secondary mass containing chamber, wherein said primary fluid containing chamber is primarily intended to contain fluids (such as water) and said secondary chamber is primarily intended to contain other matter used as gardening supplements (fertilizers and the like) for plants. The instant invention provides user a means to avoid direct contact with such supplements, which is advantageous as these supplements often comprise chemicals. In one embodiment the invention features a substantially flexible nozzle with removable fluid distribution heads, external chambers for carrying supplies and equipment. Another embodiment comprises an easy to use pump with a fluid measuring display and a time recording feature. Another embodiment features a solid matter containment chamber without said pump apparatus. In the pump embodiment a secondary fluid containment chamber that is contiguously and seamlessly attached to said primary fluid containment chamber.
US08292115B2
An insert ring is mounted on a resin-made fuel tank body, the insert ring has seat surfaces for mounting a fuel pump thereon and boss holes formed in the seat surfaces. An insert molded body is formed by insert molding of the insert ring using a first resin material while leaving the boss holes and the seat surfaces exposed. The insert molded body is inserted into an outer surface of the fuel tank body by insert molding using a second resin material which forms the fuel tank body.
US08292111B2
Tamper-resistance is provided in spice container closures and containers through use of tamper-evident and/or tamper-resistant elements. A tamper evident closure includes a base, a cover, and a tamper strip, with the tamper strip being joined to the base and cover by a first hinge connecting the tamper strip to the base and a second hinge connecting the tamper strip to the cover. At least one dispensing port in the base is selectively coverable by a flap of the cover. The tamper strip is adapted to be manually torn away and fully released from the cover and base. The flap is hinged to the cover by a third hinge. In addition, or alternatively, a snap lock connection is formed between a container closure and the container.
US08292108B2
The invention relates to a package and a blank comprising a front panel (10), a back panel (12) and two side panels (14, 16) forming a tubular container body extending in a longitudinal direction (L) from a bottom to a top, a first top panel (30) formed by an extension of the front panel (10) in the longitudinal direction (L) and being folded to essentially form the top of the package, a first set of two flaps (40, 60) each formed by an extension of respective side panel (14, 16) in the longitudinal direction (L), and a second set of two flaps (45, 65) extending in mutual opposing transverse directions (T1, T2) which are transverse to the longitudinal direction (L), each flap (45, 65) being formed by an extension of the first top panel (30) on a respective side edge of the first top panel (30).
US08292107B1
Disclosed herein is a folding container which stores various kinds of cargo and is transported. A container body of the folding container includes a top plate, a bottom plate, left and right side plates, and front and rear end plates. Each side plate includes upper and lower plate bodies which are connected to each other and to the top and bottom plates by spring hinges. A rotating shaft is provided in the container body, and a belt connected to the rotating shaft is connected to the left and right side plates at positions adjacent to the junctions between the upper and lower plate bodies. The left and right side plates are pulled inwards and folded by rotating the rotating shaft and winding the belt around the rotating shaft. Therefore, the operation of folding or unfolding the container body can be facilitated, and safety can be ensured during the operation.
US08292106B2
Mountable and demountable stackable container having vertical plastic walls and stiff flat bottom, for complementing closets, cupboards, bookshelves, selves, pieces of furniture, storage areas, and other office areas or even directly on the floor, comprising two flat plastic modules having folds as hinges to form a container, the ends of said modules being secured by clamp elements and a stiff flat bottom base, made of wood, for example, that is accommodated in the guide groove located in the plastic modules and that can be secured to said base through tab projections having injected lugs.
US08292102B2
The present disclosure provides a container and a method of making a container. In one example, the container includes a body having an upper portion, a sidewall portion and a base portion. The upper portion includes a blown finish defining a longitudinal axis and an opening into the container. A tamper evident (TE) band is formed on the finish and defines a first diameter at an outermost surface. The TE band defines at least two disconnected radial protrusions. At least one thread is formed on the finish. The at least one thread defines a second diameter at an outermost surface. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The TE band defines a gap between each respective disconnected radial protrusion. Each thread defines a thread start portion and a thread run-out portion. A line parallel to the longitudinal axis extends through the thread run-out portion and the gap.
US08292099B1
A dual chambered baby bottle has a threaded nipple top; a plastic cover for the threaded nipple top; an upper chamber in fluid communication with the interior of the nipple top; a lower chamber; an upper seal forming a lower portion of the upper chamber; a lower seal adjacent the upper seal, the lower seal forming an upper portion of the lower chamber; a plurality of upper seal apertures in the upper seal; and a plurality of lower seal apertures in the lower seal, the upper seal apertures and the lower seal apertures rotatable between an open position with the upper and lower seal apertures aligned and a closed position with the upper and lower seal apertures nonaligned.
US08292094B2
A storage rack system for storing items along the inside of a door. An open grid rack is attached to the inside of the door and can be used to support various structures configured to hold items such as handguns. Alternatively, a grid, comprised of structures configured as holsters, enables the storage of a large number of handguns in a small area. The open grid rack and the holster grid may be utilized to support items other than guns. The rack assembles are configured to be attached to the inside of a door, such as, for example, a gun safe door, by brackets or by other suitable attachment assemblies.
