US08309893B2
A heating appliance includes an electric heating element, and a relay for selectively connecting the heating element to a power supply that supplies an alternating electric current to the electric heating element to generate heat. The relay includes an inductive actuator that controls a switching state of the relay, and a switch can interrupt a supply of electric current from a power source to the inductive actuator to adjust the switching state. A flyback path for conducting a decaying electric current includes a selective conductor and a voltage regulator that maintains a flyback voltage across the inductive actuator above a minimum flyback voltage. And a controller transmits a control signal that adjusts the switching state of the relay to cause interruption of the alternating electric current being supplied to the heating element after the alternating electric current being conducted through the relay falls below a peak value.
US08309892B2
There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.
US08309882B2
A laser mold removing method of the invention is for processing a composite material composed of a plurality of materials having different reflectances to a laser beam, and includes emitting laser beam in which a processing laser beam for processing the processing object and a measurement laser beam adapted to irradiate the processing object and having an output smaller than that of the processing laser beam are emitted, measuring a reflected light quantity of the measurement laser beam reflected by the processing object, and controlling based on the reflected light quantity.
US08309880B2
The present invention discloses a coating layer removing apparatus and a method for the same. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a transport device displacing an electrode plate; a laser device having a laser head arranged above the displacement path of the electrode plate; and a control center electrically connected to the transport device and the laser device. The method of the present invention comprises mounting an electrode plate on the transport device; using the control center to set the speed of displacing the electrode plate, and program the time interval, count and penetration depths of the laser beams; and using the device of the present invention to form exposed areas equidistantly on the electrode plate. The apparatus of the present invention automatically removes a coating layer with a laser beam without directly contacting the electrode plate. Therefore, the present invention can fast form exposed areas of high quality.
US08309862B2
A printed circuit board 1 is provided, which includes: soldering lands for connecting respective leads of a dual inline lead-type electronic part 2 by jet-type soldering; and a solder-drawing land 4 for absorbing excessive solder during soldering, which is arranged at a position behind the rearmost soldering lands 3h in the traveling direction of jet-type soldering. The solder-drawing land has a square outer shape and includes a slit 4a in a bent shape therein. One corner of the square is located near the rearmost soldering lands 3h and arranged between the leads, while a bent portion of the slit is arranged near the one corner.
US08309855B2
A flexible printed circuit board that can be used for mounting a light emitting diode. The flexible printed circuit board includes a lower insulator, an upper insulator, and a conductive pattern disposed between the upper and lower insulators. A white film is attached to the top of the upper insulator. Alternatively, the upper insulator is formed of a white insulation material. The flexible printed circuit board has a planar surface and can be properly assembled to other components.
US08309854B2
A rigid-flex printed circuit board module includes a non-working zone and a working zone. The non-working zone defines a receiving space. The working zone is disposed in the receiving space, and is connected to the non-working zone through a plurality of interconnecting zones. The interconnecting zones are flexible regions having greater flexibility than the non-working zone, and are of the same thickness and material. The interconnecting zones are defined by flexible circuit board member such that the interconnecting zones can be quickly cut off using a single machine during processing of the rigid-flex printed circuit board module. Thus, the speed of separating the working zone from the non-working zone can be increased, and costs and time associated with processing and manufacturing can be reduced. Additionally, the processing flow can be simplified, and the product quality of the working zone after cutting can be ensured.
US08309853B2
A flexible printed wiring board includes a substrate, conductor wirings, a coverlay film, a jumper wiring, and through holes. The conductor wirings are disposed on a first surface of the substrate. The coverlay film covers at least part of the conductor wirings. The jumper wiring electrically connects the conductor wirings to each other. The through holes are formed in the substrate and respectively open to the surfaces of the conductor wirings. The jumper wiring is composed of a hardened material of a conductive paste and is formed so that a second surface of the substrate is continuous with respective surfaces of the conductor wirings to which the through holes open.
US08309840B2
A solar panel overlay for mounting on an underlying roof deck comprises a substrate and at least one row of photovoltaic cells on the substrate. The photovoltaic cells define a solar collecting surface having an appearance mimicking that of the underlying roof deck. A solar panel overlay assembly comprising a plurality of interconnect solar panel overlays is also provided.
US08309824B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH594228. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH594228, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH594228 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH594228.
US08309812B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024109. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024109. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024109 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024109 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08309811B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1022841. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1022841. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1022841 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1022841 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08309806B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XR28K10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XR28K10, cells from soybean variety XR28K10, plants of soybean XR28K10, and plant parts of soybean variety XR28K10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XR28K10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XR28K10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XR28K10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XR28K10 are further provided.
US08309803B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XR31AM10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XR31AM10, cells from soybean variety XR31AM10, plants of soybean XR31AM10, and plant parts of soybean variety XR31AM10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XR31AM10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XR31AM10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XR31AM10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XR31AM10 are further provided.
US08309802B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP04002 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP04002, cells from soybean variety XBP04002, plants of soybean XBP04002, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP04002. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP04002 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP04002, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP04002. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP04002 are further provided.
US08309800B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB48M10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB48M10, cells from soybean variety XB48M10, plants of soybean XB48M10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB48M10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB48M10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB48M10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB48M10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB48M10 are further provided.
US08309799B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB47F10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB47F10, cells from soybean variety XB47F10, plants of soybean XB47F10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB47F10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB47F10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB47F10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB47F10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB47F10 are further provided.
US08309797B2
A novel lettuce cultivar, designated ICE 15454, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar ICE 15454, to the plants of lettuce line ICE 15454 and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar ICE 15454 with itself or another lettuce line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other lettuce lines derived from the cultivar ICE 15454.
US08309788B2
The invention provides an absorbent article, at least a portion of which has a protease inhibitor incorporated therein to decrease the activity of proteases that may otherwise initiate or contribute to inflammation of the skin of a wearer of the article resulting in skin irritation or dermatitis. The article can further comprise a delivery system for releasably containing and delivering the protease inhibitor to at least a portion of the skin of the wearer. The delivery system can comprise a skin care composition and at least a portion of the composition, including the protease inhibitor, is automatically transferred from the article to the wearer's skin without manual intervention during normal usage of the article to form a defense against protease activity. Most preferably, repeated application of similarly treated articles to the wearer's skin provides an available source from which the protease inhibitor continuously transfers onto the skin over time and accumulates to provide a proactive defense against protease activity for the reduction or prevention of skin irritation or dermatitis due to proteolytic enzymes.
US08309784B2
The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a glass frit for the containment by vitrification of a material comprising at least one oxidizable or reducible chemical species, and also to a process for the containment of said material by vitrification. The process for the manufacture of the glass frit comprises a step of incorporating into a raw glass frit at least one redox couple, the nature and the amount of which make it possible to maintain said at least one chemical species in its oxidized or reduced state. The containment process comprises mixing and hot melting the resulting glass frit and the material to be contained. The present invention makes it possible to optimize the containment of pollutants such as radionucleides, metals and metalloids. The material may be nuclear waste or a material derived from the incineration of household refuse.
US08309779B2
Disclosed herein is a catalyst system for selective oligomerization of ethylene, which comprises a P—C—C—P frame-work ligand, which is (R1)(R2)P—(R5)CHCH(R6)—P(R3)(R4), and a chromium-based metal compound. Also disclosed is a method of greatly enhancing the activity and selectivity of oligomerization, such as trimerization or tetramerization, using a ligand having a specific steric arrangement structure.
US08309774B2
The invention is directed to a process for preparing 2,2,2,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf), comprising: (i) contacting 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene (1230xa) with hydrogen fluoride HF in gas phase in the presence of a fluorination catalyst under conditions sufficient to produce a reaction mixture; (ii) separating the reaction mixture into a first stream comprising HCl, 2,2,2,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf) and a second stream comprising HF, 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (1233xf) and 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (245cb); (iii) recycling at least a part of the second stream at least in part back to step (i).
US08309771B2
A two-stage, gas phase process for manufacturing alkylene glycol (e.g., ethylene glycol) from an alkene (e.g., ethylene), oxygen and water, the process comprising the steps of: (A) Contacting under gas phase, oxidation conditions gaseous alkene and oxygen over a heterogeneous oxidation catalyst to produce a gaseous oxidation product comprising alkylene oxide, water and unreacted alkene; (B) Contacting under gas phase, hydrolysis conditions the gaseous oxidation product of (A) with added water over a heterogeneous hydrolysis catalyst to produce a gaseous alkylene glycol and unreacted alkene; and (C) Recycling the unreacted alkene of (B) to (A). The hydrolysis catalyst is selected from the group consisting of hydrotalcites, metal-loaded zeolites, phosphates, and metal-loaded ion-exchanged molecular sieves. The process improves over the conventional two-stage process by the elimination of steps and equipment to recover and refine alkylene oxide, the use of less water in the hydrolysis reaction, and the elimination of the entire evaporation train used in the recovery of alkylene glycol.
US08309769B2
The present invention relates to two crystalline forms of 2-[2-chloro-4-methylsulfonyl-3-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxymethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexan-1,3-dione, which is also known under the common name tembotrione. The invention also relates to a process for the production of these crystalline forms and formulations for plant protection which contain one of these crystalline forms of tembotrione.
US08309767B2
The invention relates to 2-aminobenzoyl-alkylamines, -alkylamides and -alkylthioamides, and their application for treatment or prevention of various physiological conditions.
US08309761B2
A method for removing hydrocarbon impurities from acetic acid is disclosed. The method comprises extracting acetic acid with a hydrophilic imidazolium salt. The imidazolium salt preferably has the general structure of wherein X⊖ is a counter ion and R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 hydrocarbon substitutes. The method is useful for removing hydrocarbon impurities from the alkane distillation bottoms stream of a methanol carbonylation process.
US08309752B2
A method for producing a compound represented by the following formula (2) (wherein, X, R1 and m represent respectively the same meaning as described below) which comprises reacting a compound represented by the following formula (1) (wherein, X represents an optionally substituted alkyl group or the like. R1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl group or the like. m represents an integer of 0 to 4. When m represents an integer of 2 to 4, R1s may be the same or different from each other) with hydrogen cyanide in an amount of 1.2 to 5 mol with respect to 1 mol of the compound, in the presence of an organic base, in an organic solvent.
US08309744B2
Fused cyclopentane—4-substituted 3,5-dioxalane lactone compounds useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of prostaglandin analogs are provided. The compounds have the formula A: wherein R represents an aryl group such as p-methoxyphenyl. This compound can be reacted with a lower alkyl aluminum compound to open the dioxalane ring and reduce the lactone to lactol, without over-reducing to diol. The resulting compound can be functionalized to insert chemical side groups of target prostaglandins, adding the required α-side chain and then the required ω-side chain sequentially and independently of each other. The compounds and process are particularly suitable for preparing lubiprostone.
US08309743B2
The present invention provides a compound having absorbing and luminescence wavelengths at relatively longer wavelength side of the visible area, and having thermal stability, which acts as a dye and/or a luminescence material and has practical utility therefor, and a production method thereof. The above subject of the present invention can be solved by a compound represented by general formula I: R1—X—R2, wherein R1 and R2 each independently represents, for example, an N,N-diaryl-4-aminophenyl group, and X is one condensed ring group selected from the group consisting of following formulae X-1 to X-3:
US08309739B2
The use of a compound of formula I wherein X is (i), (ii) or (iii) Y is O, S(O)m, NR3, CR5R6, CR5R6—CR7R8, O—CR7R8, S(O)m—CR7R8, NR3—CR7R8, CR5R6—O, CR5R6—S(O)m, CR5R6—NR3, SO2—NR3, NR3—SO2, NR3—O or O—NR3; m is 0, 1, or 2; the ring (T) is a 5- or 6-membered aromatic or heteroaromatic ring; R1 to R10 are specified organic groups and n and is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; or salts or N-oxides thereof or compositions containing them in controlling insects, acarines, nematodes or molluscs. Novel compounds are also provided.
US08309738B2
Methods for the preparation of indene-based thiazolidinethiones are provided comprising contacting 1-amino-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-ol, or a substituted derivative thereof, with an acid under suitable reaction conditions to provide a first intermediate; and contacting the first intermediate with an alkali xanthate in the presence of an alkali hydroxide under suitable reaction conditions to provide a compound of formula (III), wherein R1-R8 are defined herein.
US08309737B2
Provided herein are ruthenium complexes of Formula (I), and processes of preparation thereof. Also provided are methods of their use as a metathesis catalyst.
US08309733B2
[Technical Problem]To provide a novel imino derivative capable of being an insecticide compound having excellent characteristics such as sustained effects and broad spectrum.[Solution to Problem]To provide an imino derivative represented by Formula (1). wherein “Ar” denotes a heterocyclic group which may have a substituent on the ring; “X” denotes a sulfur atom or CH2, NR; “R” denotes a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; “Y” is selected from COR1 or CONR3R4, CONHCOR5, CO2R9; and each of “R1”, “R3”, “R4”, “R5”, and “R9” denotes a hydrogen atom or a certain substituent.
US08309730B2
Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) wherein: one of A and D is —N— and the other of A and D is —C—; or enantiomers, diastereomers, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds to modulate the function of glucocorticoid receptor activity and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.
US08309714B2
Provided is a process for efficiently producing laurolactam by simple steps from cyclododecanone and hydroxylamine. This production process comprises the steps of: (a) reacting cyclododecanone with hydroxylamine in an aqueous solution in the presence of an oxime-formation solvent to produce cyclododecanone oxime; (b) separating the reaction mixture obtained after the oxime-forming step into an oil and an aqueous phases and collecting a solution of cyclododecanone oxime of the oil phase; (c) removing a part or all of the oxime-formation solvent and dissolved water from the solution of cyclododecanone oxime which is collected as an oil phase in the oil/aqueous phase separation step, whereby preparing a solution containing a rearrangement solvent to be used in a rearrangement reaction in a later step and the cyclododecanone oxime; (d) producing laurolactam from cyclododecanone oxime by rearrangement reaction using an aromatic-ring containing compound as a rearrangement catalyst; and (e) separating and removing the rearrangement solvent and the rearrangement catalyst from the reaction mixture after the rearrangement step, and purifying the laurolactam.
US08309712B2
The invention relates to an industrial process for the preparation of 17-hydroxy-6β,7β;15β,16β-bismethylene-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic acid γ-lactone of formula (I), and to the key-intermediates for this process.
US08309710B2
A method and compositions for sulfurizing at least one phosphite or thiophosphite linkage in an oligonucleotide. The addition of N-alkyl imidazole to the acetyldisulfide sulfurization solution enables the use of industrially preferred solvents or solvents that are derived from renewable resources.
US08309709B2
The present invention relates to a method of preparing an insoluble separation matrix, which method comprises salt-treatment of a polysaccharide gel followed by cross-linking of the polysaccharide polymers. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing an aqueous solution of a gelatable native polysaccharide; lowering the temperature of the polysaccharide solution to a value below its gelling point; salt-treatment by adding at least one salt to the resulting polysaccharide; and cross-linking the salt-treated polysaccharide. The polysaccharide may be prepared e.g. into particles, membranes or monoliths.
US08309707B2
Novel technology for RNA synthesis in the reverse direction, involving a new class of products, 3′-DMT-5’-CE ribonucleoside phosphoramidites and 3′-DMT-5’-succinyl ribonucleoside solid supports, with per step coupling efficiency surpassing 99% in the RNA synthesis. This leads to high purity RNA. Examples of a large number of 20-21 mers and a few examples of long chain oligonucleotides are demonstrated. The data indicates dramatic improvement in coupling efficiency per step during oligonucleotide synthesis using the reverse RNA monomers (5′→′ direction) as compared to 3′-CE ribonucleoside phosphoramidites used in the conventional method of RNA synthesis (3′→5′ direction). The new process requires shorter coupling cycle time, approx. 4 minutes as compared to approx. 10 minutes using conventional RNA synthesis method (3′→5′ direction). Furthermore, almost complete absence of M+1 impurities in the reverse RNA synthesis methodology were observed, even when the last phosphoramidite was a macromolecule. The process resulted in very high purity 3′-modified oligonucleotides after HPLC purification. As a result of high purity of synthesized RNA and clean introduction of various 3′-end modified RNA requiring long chain ligands, chromophores, fluorophores and quenchers, this method of RNA synthesis is expected to be a very useful method of choice for therapeutic grade RNA. The novel phosphoramidites of this invention, Rev-A-n-bz, Rev-C-n-bz, Rev-C-n-ac, Rev-G-n-ac and Rev-rU show HPLC purity greater than 98% and 31P NMR purity greater than 99.5%.
US08309704B2
The present invention provides methods of enhancing the efficacy and specificity of RNAi. The invention also provides compositions for mediating RNAi. In particular, the invention provides siRNAs, shRNAs, vectors and transgenes having improved specificity and efficacy in mediating silencing of a target gene. Therapeutic methods are also featured.
US08309703B2
The invention provides short interfering nucleic acids, either single-stranded or double-stranded, that cause RNAi-induced degradation of mRNA from the Nav1.8 sodium channel gene; to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such short interfering nucleic acids; recombinant vectors comprising such short interfering nucleic acids; a method for inhibiting translation of an mRNA; a method for inhibiting expression of a polypeptide; a method for blocking the membrane potential in a cell; a method for blocking the sodium current in a cell; and a method for inhibiting chronic pain.
US08309702B2
The present invention provides an easy and rapid method for detecting/identifying the presence or absence of specific Plasmodium parasites and four species of malaria parasites in a human specimen, an anti-malaria measure support system, and a malaria infection-prevention/treatment system, which can contribute to practical diagnosis in a malaria endemic area. According to the present invention, using a genus-specific primer set that can detect four Plasmodium parasites that infect humans at a time, and the primer sets each specific to each of four species of Plasmodium parasites (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale), the presence or absence of infection with these parasites can be detected/identified easily and rapidly.
US08309699B2
This invention relates to transgenic winter oilseed rape (WOSR) plants, plant material and seeds, harboring a specific transformation event. It pertains to winter oilseed rape plants, more particularly to a pair of winter oilseed rape plants, which is particularly suited for the production of hybrid seed. More specifically, one plant is characterized by being male-sterile, due to the presence in its genome of a male sterility gene, while the other is characterized by carrying a fertility-restorer gene, capable of preventing the activity of the male-sterility gene. The invention further provides a method for producing hybrid seed, a process for producing a transgenic WOSR plant oil or plant, and a method to identify a transgenic plant, cell or tissue. A kit for identifying the transgenic plants comparing the elite event of the present invention is also described. The WOSR plants of the invention combine the ability to form hybrid seeds with optimal overall agronomic performance, genetic stability and adaptability to different generic backgrounds.
US08309698B2
Provided is an expression vector for gene therapy having a novel combination of transcriptional regulatory elements, including a promoter, an enhancer, an intron, an untranslated region (UTR) and a locus control region (LCR). The expression vector enables sustained expression of a liver tissue-specific gene, and thus, can be effectively used for treating thrombosis, hemophilia, liver cancer, etc.
US08309689B2
The invention relates to a simple and high yield process for producing a regenerated silk fibroin which does not need dialysis. Particularly, a process of the invention is characterized in that the silk fibroin is precipitated by applying a shear stress and/or changing the solvent power of the fibroin solution. The process of the invention simplifies the process of producing silk fibroin and greatly shortens the process time to 1 to 2 hours, whereas the conventional dialysis process is complex and needs around 2 to 3 days. In addition to reducing the time needed, the process of the invention can increase productivity of silk fibroin by at least 8%.
US08309685B2
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US08309681B2
There is provided a method for producing a resin particle capable of unprecedentedly realizing both excellent heat resistant keeping property and melting property. The present invention is a method for producing a resin particle (X) comprising the step of treating a resin particle (B) containing a resin (A) composed of a crystalline part (a) containing, as an essential constitutional component, a lactone ring-opening polymer (p), and a noncrystalline part (b), with liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide (C), and removing (C), wherein a heat of fusion measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the obtained (X) satisfies the following relational formula (1): 0≦H2/H1≦0.9 (1) [in the relational formula (1), H1 represents a measurement value of a heat of fusion (J/g) at the time of the initial temperature elevation measured by DSC; and H2 represents a measurement value of a heat of fusion (J/g) at the time of the second temperature elevation measured by DSC].
US08309679B2
The present embodiments relate to a novel method of making quaternary ammonium polymers comprising the steps of: a) mixing 1,4-bis-dimethylamino-2-butene, triethanolamine, water and an acid; and b) introducing a 1,4-dihalo-2-butene to the mixture so as to initiate a reaction resulting in the quaternary ammonium polymer.
US08309674B2
Cardanol based dimers are provided. The cardanol dimers are formed by hydrosylylation with silanes. Cardanol based dimers may be further reacted to form epoxy curing agents and epoxies which can be used as anti-fouling coatings on ship hulls and marine structures. The cardanol dimers may also be used to produce friction particles or phenolic resins. Methods of synthesizing the cardanol based dimers, the epoxy curing agents and the epoxies are also provided.
US08309669B2
A method for producing a swellable polymer by polymerizing a composition containing at least one polyalkylene glycol di(meth)acrylate having a weight-average molecular weight from 2500 g/mol to 10000 g/mol, wherein the polymer contains at least 50.0% by weight based on the total weight of the polymer of said at least one polyalkylene glycol di(meth)acrylate.
US08309661B2
The present invention provides compositions of crystalline coordination copolymers wherein multiple organic molecules are assembled to produce porous framework materials with layered or core-shell structures. These materials are synthesized by sequential growth techniques such as the seed growth technique. In addition, the invention provides a simple procedure for controlling functionality.
US08309659B2
Filled polyolefin compositions comprising: A) from 20% to 80% by weight of a polypropylene component; B) from 20% to 80% by weight of a filler; wherein the percentages of A) and B) are referred to the sum of A) and B), and A) is selected from the following compositions: a) a polypropylene composition containing from 20% to 80% by weight of a polypropylene fraction AI) having a Melt Flow Rate value of 500 g/10 min. or more, and from 20% to 80% by weight of a polypropylene fraction AII) having a Melt Flow Rate value of from 0.1 to 30 g/10 min., the said percentages of AI) and AII) being referred to the sum of AI) and AII); or b) a polypropylene composition containing from 15% to 72% by weight of a polypropylene fraction AI) having a Melt Flow Rate value of 500 g/10 min. or more, from 15% to 70% by weight of a polypropylene fraction AII) having a Melt Flow Rate value of from 0.1 to 30 g/10 min. and from 0.5% to 15% by weight of a compatibilizer Q), the said percentages of AI), AII) and Q) being referred to the sum of AI), AII) and Q).
US08309654B2
A method of producing a particle-shape water-absorbing resin material is realized. With this method, it is possible to prevent deterioration of properties of the particle-shape water-absorbing resin material, and reduces damages onto surfaces thereof. This method is arranged such that (a) water-absorbing resin particles are surface-treated by using a crossing agent so that surfaces of the particles are cross-linked, (b) an additive for giving a function to the particles is added to the particles, (c) and a step of mixing the particles and the additive is carried out in a step of performing particle-size regulating treatment for the particles which includes agglomerated particles.
US08309645B2
A composite material includes a polyimide matrix material and an exfoliated graphite material dispersed within the polyimide matrix material. The composite material exhibits a Thermal Stability Index of at least about 20 and has a particle distribution in which 90% of the particles have a particle size not greater than 500 micrometers.
US08309641B2
Disclosed herein is a curable composition comprising a curable fluoroelastomer, a curative and an acid acceptor selected from the group consisting of a hydrous bismuth oxide nitrate compound and bismuth oxide. Cured articles made therefrom are resistant to volume swell in acids, coolant and in biofuel.
US08309640B2
High dielectric constant thermoplastic compositions that are capable of being used in a laser direct structuring process. The compositions include a thermoplastic base resin, a laser direct structuring additive, and at least one ceramic filler. The compositions provide a high dielectric constant, low loss tangent thermoplastic composition. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications such as personal computers, notebook and portable computers, cell phone antennas and other such communications equipment, medical applications, RFID applications, and automotive applications.
US08309629B2
There are provided an ink composition including a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable monomer and a phosphoric acid group-containing polymer having a weight-average molecular weight in a range of 10,000 to 30,000; an inkjet recording method using the ink composition; a printed material recorded by the inkjet recording method; a method of producing a planographic printing plate using the ink composition; and a planographic printing plate obtained by the method of producing a planographic printing plate.
US08309628B2
The object of the present invention is to provide an ink composition for heatset offset printing which has an excellent drying property, does not cause skinning during storage of ink composition, and has excellent stability on press in printing. The present invention is an ink composition for heatset offset printing containing a pigment, a binder resin, a petroleum solvent, and at least one kind of vegetable oil component selected from the group consisting of a vegetable oil and a fatty acid ester thereof, the content of the vegetable oil component being 20% by mass or less, and the ink composition further containing: 0.008 to 0.7% by mass of a metal soap drier based on the mass of the metal contained in the drier; 0.008 to 12% by mass of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a polyvalent carboxylic acid, a derivative thereof, tocopherol, and tocotrienol; and 0.08 to 12% by mass of a phenolic antioxidant.
US08309625B1
A method for preventing accumulation of organisms on a surface exposed to a marine environment. Nano-particles are provided in a water soluble polymer. The nano-particles have a thickness of about 2 nanometers and a major surface area of about 3 microns and are treated by a quaternary ammonium salt. The treated nano-particles are mixed into the water soluble polymer material. This mixture can be applied to the exposed surface. Biofouling is prevented by the sharpness of the nano-particles, sloughing of the water soluble material, and biocidal action caused by the quaternary ammonium salt.
US08309619B2
A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams includes methyl formate. The blowing agent blend can further comprise at least one co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s), water or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic polymer foam can be an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam, e.g. a polystyrene foam. The blowing agent blend includes methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce dimensionally stable foams that have improved resistance to flame spread. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.
US08309604B2
The present invention relates to novel cycloalkyl-hydroxyl compounds, compositions comprising hydroxyl compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing a variety of diseases and conditions such as, but not limited to aging, Alzheimer's Disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, a disorder of glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, dyslipoproteinemia, hypertension, impotence, inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid elimination in bile, obesity, oxysterol elimination in bile, pancreatitis, Parkinson's disease, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-associated disorder, phospholipid elimination in bile, renal disease, septicemia, Syndrome X, thrombotic disorder. Compounds and methods of the invention can also be used to modulate C reactive protein or enhance bile production in a patient. In certain embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are useful in combination therapy with other therapeutics, such as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents.
US08309600B2
GPR120 agonists are provided. These compounds are useful for the treatment of metabolic diseases, including Type II diabetes and diseases associated with poor glycemic control.
US08309599B2
The present invention provides novel analogs of FR901464, as well as an improved methodology for preparing FR901464 and its analogs. These compounds display an anti-cancer activity and are candidates for therapies against a number of disease states associated with dysfunctional RNA splicing.
US08309598B2
A method of providing a cooling sensation to the skin or the mucous membranes of the body, comprising the application thereto of at least one compound of the Formula I in which X is selected from S and O, R1 is selected from H and OMe, R2 is selected from OH, OMe and OEt, and R3 is selected from H and OH. Some of the compounds provide simultaneously cooling and sweetening effects.
US08309595B2
Hydrazone compounds which modulate cannabinoid receptors are presented. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, methods of using these compounds as modulators of cannabinoid receptors and processes for synthesizing these compounds are also described herein.
US08309589B2
There is provided a fluorine-containing organosulfur compound having an excellent controlling effect on arthropod pests represented by the formula (I): wherein m represents 0 or 1; n represents 0, 1 or 2; A represents an optionally substituted 5-membered aromatic heterocyclic group; R1 and R3 are independently represent an optionally substituted C1-C4 chain hydrocarbon group, —C(═G)R5, cyano, halogen or hydrogen; R2 and R4 independently represent an optionally substituted C1-C4 chain hydrocarbon group, halogen or hydrogen; Q represents a C1-C5 haloalkyl group containing at least one fluorine, or fluorine; G represents oxygen or sulfur; and R5 represents optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted C1-C4 alkoxy, optionally substituted C3-C6 alkenyloxy, optionally substituted C3-C6 alkynyloxy, amino, optionally substituted C1-C4 alkylamino, optionally substituted di(C1-C4 alkyl)amino, C2-C5 cyclic amino or hydrogen.
US08309587B2
The present invention relates to piperidine and piperazine phenyl sulfonamides useful as inhibitors of ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders, including for example the treatment of pain.
US08309578B2
Bicyclic pyrazole and isoxazole derivatives of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as defined in the specification, process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are disclosed; the compounds of the invention may be useful in therapy in the treatment of diseases mediated by HSP90 protein, like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
US08309575B2
The invention provides novel quinolinone-carboxamide 5-HT4 receptor agonist compounds of Formula (I). The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, the use such compounds to treat diseases associated with 5-HT4 receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds. Wherein; R1 is hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, C1-4 alkyl, or C1-4 alkoxy; R2 is C3-4 alkyl, or C3-6cycloalkyl; R3 is hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl: R4 is S(O)2R6 or C(O)R7; R5 is hydrogen, C1-3alkyl, C2-3 alkyl substituted with —OH or C1-3 alkoxy, or —CH2-pyrydyl; R6 is C1-3 alkyl; or R5 and R6 taken together from C3-4 alkylenyl; and R7 is hydrogen, C1-3alkyl, or pyrydyl; or pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof.
US08309574B2
A nuclear transfer promoter for Rac protein comprising an isoprenoid synthesis inhibitor and/or a geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitor such as an HMG-CoA synthase inhibitor, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, an AMPK activator or a farnesyl pyrophosphoric acid synthase preparation; utilization thereof; a method therefor; a blood vessel remedy comprising the nuclear transfer promoter for Rac protein as the active ingredient; and a method of screening a blood vessel remedy which comprises assaying the ability of Rac protein to transfer into nucleus.
US08309573B2
The invention provides a salt of (R)-3-[2-(2-hydroxymethylpyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-5-methyl-2H-isoquinolin-1-one and a crystal thereof. (R)-3-[2-(2-Hydroxymethylpyrrolidin-1-ypethyl]-5-methyl-2H-1-isoquinolin-1-one monophosphate is a compound which is chemically stable, has high solubility, and shows less weight change due to humidity as compared to a free form and monohydrochloride dihydrate, and is superior as a bulk drug for pharmaceutical products.
US08309562B2
Disclosed are 4-arylamino-quinazolines and analogs thereof that are effective as activators of caspases and inducers of apoptosis. The compounds of this invention are useful in the treatment of a variety of clinical conditions in which uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells occurs.
US08309559B2
The present invention relates to novel substituted 2-amino-3-(arylsulfonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines of general formula 1, to serotonin 5-HT6 receptor antagonists, to novel drug substances and pharmaceutical compositions, to medicaments, methods for preparation thereof, and to methods for prophylaxis and treatment of various CNS diseases, pathogenesis of which is associated with disturbance of monoaminergic signaling pathways, more specifically over- or hypo-activation of serotonin 5-HT6 receptors. Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heterocyclyl; R1 and R3 independently of each other represent C1-C3 alkyl or aryl; R2 represents hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl; R41, and R42 independently of each other represent hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C3 alkyl or optionally substituted phenyl, or R41, and R42 together with nitrogen atom they are attached to form optionally substituted heterocyclyl.
US08309553B2
The invention relates to anhydrous crystalline orvepitant maleate (Form 1), pharmaceutical formulations comprising the same, its use in therapy and processes for preparing the same, wherein orvepitant is as shown in formula (I).
US08309542B2
The object of the present invention is novel substituted pyrrolidine amides of the general formula (I) in which D, L. E, G, J, M, L1, L2, R4, and R5 are defined as in the specification, the tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, mixtures, and salts thereof, particularly physiologically tolerated salts with inorganic or organic acids or bases having valuable properties.
US08309541B1
Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more compounds having the structural formula I: R2-R-R1, where R is phenyl, where R1 is (CH2)nSe—C(═NH)—NH2, where R2 is (CH2)nSe—C(═NH)—NH2 or R2 is H, and where each n is independently 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or more compounds having the structural formula I to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation. Compositions of the present invention inhibit Akt enzymes, iNOS, and increase MAP kinase activity such that cancer cells contacted with the compositions are inhibited.
US08309539B2
Methods and compositions for the treatment of social phobia are provided, including administering a therapeutically effective amount of an androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol steroid to an individual in need of treatment and a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of social phobia having a therapeutically effective amount of an androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol steroid. Therapeutically effective amounts may be, for example, between about 100 picograms and about 100 micrograms, or between about 1 nanogram and about 10 microgram, or between about 10 nanograms and about 1 microgram of an androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol steroid. Administration of the androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol compound is preferably intranasal administration to the nasal passages and the vomeronasal organ of the individual. A preferred androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol steroid is [3β]-androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol. In some embodiments of the methods, both [3β}-androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol and [3α]-androsta-4,16-dien-3-ol are administered to a patient, and are included in a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of social phobia.
US08309535B2
The invention describes methods and compositions for alleviating recurrent medical afflictions for which anxiety may cause or exacerbate the affliction. A subject suffering from the affliction is treated with a combination of a pharmaceutical that enhances learning, and a second pharmaceutical recognized to be useful for treatment of the affliction. Representative afflictions include insomnia, erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, neuropathic pain, attention deficit disorder, and depression.
US08309527B2
Oligonucleotides containing unthylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response in a subject are disclosed. Also disclosed are therapies for treating diseases associated with immune system activation that are initiated by unthylated CpG dinucleotides in a subject comprising administering to the subject oligonucleotides that do not contain unmethylated CpG sequences (i.e. methylated CpG sequences or no CpG sequence) to outcompete unmethylated CpG nucleic acids for binding. Further disclosed are methylated CpG containing dinucleotides for use antisense therapies or as in vivo hybridization probes, and immunoinhibitory oligonucleotides for use as antiviral therapeutics.
US08309526B2
Described herein are nitrated lipids and methods of making and using the nitrated lipids.
US08309517B2
The present invention relates to a novel method to promote regeneration or repair of the central or peripheral nervous system following injury The present invention concerns the use of a leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated protein (LGIn), or an analog or derivative thereof, to promote the regeneration or remyelination of neurons after injury to the central nervous system LGIns are endogenous proteins secreted by central neurons that promote regeneration of neurons after injury to the central nervous system The present invention includes an assay to measure the interaction of LGIn with LINGOn and p75NTRn as well as to identify factors that enhance or disrupt these interactions The invention further includes cell lines capable of expressing LGIn, LINGOn and p75NTRn molecules, as well as the proteins purified from these cells.
US08309504B2
The invention encompasses liquid cleaning compositions, for example, dish washing liquids, and methods of their manufacture and use, which possess enhanced cleaning ability. The cleaning compositions of the invention include acidic light duty liquid cleaning compositions with low toxicity and antibacterial efficacy on surfaces, for example, hard surfaces.
US08309500B2
Novel non-aqueous water soluble food grade lubricant compositions comprising: (a) About 5% to about 50% of a polyalkylene glycol comprised of an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer, or polymer of propylene oxide, having molecular weight greater than 1,500; and (b) About 50% to about 95% of a polyethylene glycol having molecular weight of from about 200 to about 600; wherein said lubricating compositions have viscosities of about 28 to about 100% at 40° C. The novel non-aqueous water soluble food grade lubricant compositions are particularly useful in food processing and packaging equipment applications where low viscosity food grade lubricants with low pour points are desired, and in applications where there is a need for equipment and spill cleanup. These food grade lubricant compositions are also environmentally friendly due to their water solubility, rapid biodegradability, and low aquatic toxicity.
US08309495B2
Method for the production of a superconducting electrical conductor, and a superconducting conductor
A method is specified for production of a superconducting electrical conductor which has a ceramic material as the superconducting material. A metal ribbon is formed around a multiplicity of flat strips of a mount which is coated with the superconducting ceramic material, running longitudinally to form a tube having a slot which runs in the longitudinal direction, and whose edges which rest on one another on the slot are welded to one another The tube which is closed by the welding process is then reduced to a diameter which corresponds approximately to the envelopes of all the strips which are located in the tube.
US08309492B1
A method and formulation for eliminating moss with oregano oil extracts. Oregano oil extract is applied to moss or a locus where moss exists to substantially kill the moss. An aqueous solution of oregano oil can be sprayed onto the moss or the locus and hydrocolloids can be added to the solution to improve the efficacy of the oregano oil.
US08309488B2
An exhaust gas purifying catalyst includes a catalyst substrate and a catalyst coating layer containing a noble metal and a refractory inorganic oxide. The catalyst coating layer includes an upstream portion located upstream and a downstream portion located downstream in a flow direction of an exhaust gas. The upstream portion has a layered structure including an upstream portion inside layer containing a cerium-zirconium composite oxide in which a relative proportion of CeO2 is 50 to 95 wt %, as the refractory inorganic oxide and an upstream portion outside layer containing a cerium-zirconium composite oxide in which a relative proportion of ZrO2 is 50 to 95 wt %, as the refractory inorganic oxide. The upstream portion outside layer and the downstream portion contain Rh as the noble metal, and an amount of Rh contained in the upstream portion outside layer is larger than an amount of Rh contained in the downstream portion.
US08309484B2
A photocatalyst system for volatile organic compounds with two parts that include a photocatalyst layer on a substrate and a porous overlayer. The photocatalyst layer is reactive with volatile organic compounds when UV light is projected on it. The overlayer is situated on the photocatalyst layer. The overlayer is UV transparent and has an interconnected pore network that allows contaminated air to pass through the overlayer. The size and the shape of the interconnected pores acts to selectively exclude certain contaminants that can deactivate the photocatalyst.
US08309480B2
To provide crystallizable glass that is less likely to be devitrified even when formed into shape by a float process, causes no breakage during a forming step and a crystallization step and is capable of precipitating LAS-based crystals as main crystals by subjecting the glass to heat treatment after being formed into shape, and crystallized glass obtained by crystallizing the crystallizable glass. The crystallizable glass of the present invention is characterized by substantially containing neither As2O3 nor Sb2O3 and having a composition of, in percent by mass, 55.0 to 73.0% SiO2, 17.0 to 27.0% Al2O3, 2.0 to 5.0% Li2O, 0 to 1.5% MgO, 0 to 1.5% ZnO, 0 to 1.0% Na2O, 0 to 1.0% K2O, 0 to 3.8% TiO2, 0 to 2.5% ZrO2, 0 to 0.6% SnO2, and 2.3 to 3.8% TiO2+ZrO2.
US08309475B2
Embodiments of the invention contemplate a method, apparatus and system that are used to support and position a substrate on a surface that is at a different temperature than the initial, or incoming, substrate temperature. Embodiments of the invention may also include a method of controlling the transfer of heat between a substrate and substrate support positioned in a processing chamber. The apparatus and methods described herein generally may also provide an inexpensive and simple way of accurately positioning a substrate on a substrate support that is positioned in a semiconductor processing chamber. Substrate processing chambers that can benefit from the various embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to RTP, CVD, PVD, ALD, plasma etching, and/or laser annealing chambers.
US08309472B2
A method for fabricating semiconductor devices includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a surface region containing one or more contaminants and having an overlying oxide layer. In an embodiment, the one or more contaminants are at least a carbon species. The method includes processing the surface region using at least a wet processing process to selectively remove the overlying oxide layer and expose the surface region including the one or more contaminants. The method includes subjecting the surface region to a high energy electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths ranging from about 300 to about 800 nanometers for a time period of less than 1 second to increase a temperature of the surface region to greater than 1000 degrees Celsius to remove the one or more contaminants. The method includes removing the high energy electromagnetic radiation to cause a reduction in temperature to about 300 to about 600 degrees Celsius in a time period of less than 1 second.
US08309467B2
A manufacturing method of a device is provided. In the manufacturing method, a substrate is provided. The substrate has a plurality of patterns and a plurality of openings formed thereon, and the openings are located among the patterns. A first liquid supporting layer is formed on the patterns, and the openings are filled with the first liquid supporting layer. The first liquid supporting layer is transformed into a first solid supporting layer. The first solid supporting layer includes a plurality of supporting elements formed in the openings, and the supporting elements are formed among the patterns. A treatment process is performed on the patterns. The first solid supporting layer that includes the supporting elements is transformed into a second liquid supporting layer. The second liquid supporting layer is removed.
US08309466B2
A polishing pad has an excellent polishing rate and is superior in longevity without generating center slow. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with the polishing pad is also provided. The polishing pad has a polishing layer consisting of a polyurethane foam having fine cells, wherein a high-molecular-weight polyol component that is a starting component of the polyurethane foam contains a hydrophobic high-molecular-weight polyol A having a number-average molecular weight of 550 to 800 and a hydrophobic high-molecular-weight polyol B having a number-average molecular weight of 950 to 1300 in an A/B ratio of from 10/90 to 50/50 by weight.
US08309462B1
A photolithographic method for fabricating a pattern which includes a line and a hook-up pad in a semiconductor device, such that the line and the hook-up pad are self-connected to one another by spacer deposition that mitigates a process control issue, and without being misaligned or short circuited. Spacer double patterning lithography can be used. A pattern of sidewall spacer material is formed from a photoresist deposition, conformal spacer material deposition, etching, and removal of the photoresist. A pattern of the sidewall spacer material and a sacrificial layer is formed by performing a further photoresist deposition at a hook-up pad location, a further conformal spacer material deposition, covering part of the sacrificial layer and etching an uncovered part of the sacrificial layer to form a gap. The pattern is transferred to a hard mask layer and then to a wiring layer.
US08309455B2
Prior to deposition of a silicon nitride (SiN) layer on a structure, a non-plasma enhanced operation is undertaken wherein the structure is exposed to silane (SiH4) flow, reducing the overall exposure of the structure to hydrogen radicals. This results in the silicon nitride being strongly bonded to the structure and in improved performance.
US08309454B2
A workpiece has at least two semiconductor chips, each semiconductor chip having a first main surface, which is at least partially exposed, and a second main surface. The workpiece also comprises an electrically conducting layer, arranged on the at least two semiconductor chips, the electrically conducting layer being arranged at least on regions of the second main surface, and a molding compound, arranged on the electrically conducting layer.
US08309451B2
A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of semiconductor die. The wafer has contact pads formed over its surface. A passivation layer is formed over the wafer. A stress buffer layer is formed over the passivation layer. The stress buffer layer is patterned to expose the contact pads. A metal layer is deposited over the stress buffer layer. The metal layer is a common voltage bus for the semiconductor device in electrical contact with the contact pads. An adhesion layer, barrier layer, and seed layer is formed over the wafer in electrical contact with the contact pads. The metal layer is mounted to the seed layer. Solder bumps or other interconnect structures are formed over the metal layer. A second passivation layer is formed over the metal layer. In an alternate embodiment, a wirebondable layer can be deposited over the metal layer and wirebonds connected to the metal layer.
US08309446B2
Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a high efficiency solar cell using a novel processing sequence to form a solar cell device. In one embodiment, the methods include forming a doping layer on a back surface of a substrate, heating the doping layer and substrate to cause the doping layer diffuse into the back surface of the substrate, texturing a front surface of the substrate after heating the doping layer and the substrate, forming a dielectric layer on the back surface of the substrate, removing portions of the dielectric layer from the back surface to from a plurality of exposed regions of the substrate, and depositing a metal layer over the back surface of the substrate, wherein the metal layer is in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of exposed regions on the substrate, and at least one of the exposed regions has dopant atoms provided from the doping layer.
US08309445B2
A method of forming a field effect transistor (FET) capacitor includes forming a channel region; forming a gate stack over the channel region; forming a first extension region on a first side of the gate stack, the first extension region being formed by implanting a first doping material at a first angle such that a shadow region exists on a second side of the gate stack; and forming a second extension region on the second side of the gate stack, the second extension region being formed by implanting a second doping material at a second angle such that a shadow region exists on the first side of the gate stack.
US08309442B2
A fabricating method of a semiconductor stacking layer includes following steps. First, an amorphous silicon (α-Si) layer is formed on a substrate. Surface treatment is then performed on a surface of the α-Si layer. After that, a doped microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si) layer is formed on the treated surface of the α-Si layer, wherein interface defects existing between the α-Si layer and the doped μc-Si layer occupy an area in a cross-sectional region having a width of 1.5 micrometers and a thickness of 40 nanometers, and a ratio of the occupied area in the cross-sectional region is equal to or less than 10%. The method of fabricating the semiconductor stacking layer can be applied to a fabrication process of a semiconductor device to effectively reduce the interface defects of the semiconductor stacking layer.
US08309441B2
One embodiment is a method of forming a circuit structure. The method comprises forming a first amorphous layer over a substrate; forming a first glue layer over and adjoining the first amorphous layer; forming a second amorphous layer over and adjoining the first glue layer; and forming a plurality of posts separated from each other by removing a first portion of the first amorphous layer and a first portion of the second amorphous layer. At least some of the plurality of posts each comprises a second portion of the first amorphous layer, a first portion of the first glue layer, and a second portion of the second amorphous layer.
US08309437B2
The present invention relates to method of fabricating a (110) oriented silicon substrate and to a method of fabricating a bonded pair of substrates comprising such a (110) oriented silicon substrate. The invention further relates to a silicon substrate with (110) orientation and to a bonded pair of silicon substrates comprising a first silicon substrate with (100) orientation and a second silicon substrate with (110) orientation. Methods include the steps of providing a basic silicon substrate with (110) orientation, the basic silicon substrate having a roughness being equal or less than 0.15 nm RMS, and depositing epitaxially a silicon layer with (110) orientation on the basic silicon substrate at a pressure between 40 Torr to 120 Torr, and at a temperature between about 1000° C. and about 1200° C. and using trichlorosilane or dichlorosilane as silicon precursor gas.
US08309432B2
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to epitaxial lift off (ELO) thin films and devices and methods used to form such films and devices. In one embodiment, a method for forming an ELO thin film is provided which includes depositing an epitaxial material over a sacrificial layer on a substrate, adhering a universally shrinkable support handle onto the epitaxial material, wherein the universally shrinkable support handle contains a shrinkable material, and shrinking the support handle to form tension in the support handle and compression in the epitaxial material during a shrinking process. The method further includes removing the sacrificial layer during an etching process, peeling the epitaxial material from the substrate while forming an etch crevice therebetween, and bending the support handle to have substantial curvature.
US08309425B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device may include, but is not limited to the following processes. A semiconductor substrate is prepared. The semiconductor substrate has a first region and a second region other than the first region. A first mask is formed over the first region. The first mask has a first line-and-space pattern extending in a first direction. A first removing process is performed. The first removing process selectively removes the first region with the first mask to form a first groove extending in the first direction. The first removing process removes an upper part of the second region while a remaining part of the second region having a first surface facing upward. The bottom level of the first groove is higher than the level of the first surface.
US08309418B2
A field effect transistor device includes a substrate, a silicon germanium (SiGe) layer disposed on the substrate, gate dielectric layer lining a surface of a cavity defined by the substrate and the silicon germanium layer, a metallic gate material on the gate dielectric layer, the metallic gate material filling the cavity, a source region, and a drain region.
US08309416B2
A semiconductor device with reduced resistance of a buried bit line, and a method for fabricating the same. The method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes etching a semiconductor substrate to form a plurality of active regions which are separated from one another by trenches formed in between, forming a side contact on a sidewall of each active region, and forming metal bit lines, each filling a portion of a respective trench and connected to the side contact.
US08309411B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming an interlayer dielectric on a substrate, the interlayer dielectric including first and second openings respectively disposed in first and second regions formed separately in the substrate; forming a first conductive layer filling the first and second openings; etching the first conductive layer such that a bottom surface of the first opening is exposed and a portion of the first conductive layer in the second opening remains; and forming a second conductive layer filling the first opening and a portion of the second opening.
US08309405B2
Methods of forming vertical nonvolatile memory devices may include forming an electrically insulating layer, which includes a composite of a sacrificial layer sandwiched between first and second mold layers. An opening extends through the electrically insulating layer and exposes inner sidewalls of the first and second mold layers and the sacrificial layer. A sidewall of the opening may be lined with an electrically insulating protective layer and a first semiconductor layer may be formed on an inner sidewall of the electrically insulating protective layer within the opening. At least a portion of the sacrificial layer may then be selectively etched from between the first and second mold layers to thereby define a lateral recess therein, which exposes an outer sidewall of the electrically insulating protective layer.
US08309385B2
An inertial sensor, comprises a detection element detecting an amount of a physical quantity in a detection axis direction, a plurality of support members having flexibility and supporting nearly a center of the detection element, and a package substrate housing the detection element and the plurality of support members. In a case when an X-axis is defined as an extending direction of the plurality of support members, a Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis in a plane including the detection element, and a Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis, one of load components in a direction of the Y-axis of the detection member applied to the plurality of support members is nearly equal to other among the plurality of support members, and one of load components in a direction of the Z-axis is nearly equal to the other among the plurality of support members.
US08309381B2
A method for producing a light-emitting device including a growth substrate made of Group III nitride semiconductor, and a Group III nitride semiconductor layer stacked on the top surface of the growth substrate, includes forming, between the growth substrate and the semiconductor layer, a stopper layer exhibiting resistance to a wet etchant, and wet-etching the bottom surface of the growth substrate until the stopper layer is exposed.
US08309380B2
Provided are a photodiode array and its manufacturing method, which maintain the crystalline quality of an absorption layer formed on a group III-V semiconductor substrate to obtain excellent characteristics, and which improve the crystallinity at the surface of a window layer; an epitaxial wafer used for manufacturing the photodiode array; and a method for manufacturing the epitaxial wafer. A method for manufacturing a photodiode array 1 having a plurality of absorption regions 21, includes the steps of: growing an absorption layer 7 on an n-type InP substrate 3; growing an InP window layer on the absorption layer 7; and diffusing a p-type impurity in regions, in the window layer 11, corresponding to the plurality of absorption regions 21. The window layer 11 is grown by MOVPE using only metal-organic sources, at a growth temperature equal to or lower than that of the absorption layer 7.
US08309378B2
A method of fabricating light emitting diode chips having a phosphor coating layer comprises providing a substrate having a plurality of light emitting diodes formed thereon; forming a conductive bump on at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes; forming a phosphor coating layer over the substrate and the light emitting diodes; cutting the phosphor coating layer by a point cutter to remove an upper portion of the phosphor coating layer, so as to reduce a thickness of the phosphor coating layer and expose the conductive bump; and forming a plurality of individual light emitting diode chips having the phosphor coating layer by separating the plurality of light emitting diodes.
US08309364B2
An electrochemical immunosensor system with reduced interference, comprising: a first immunosensor that generates an electrochemical signal based on the formation of a sandwich between an immobilized antibody, a target analyte and a labeled antibody, wherein a portion of the signal arises from non-specific binding of the labeled antibody in the region of the first immunosensor, and a second immunosensor that acts as an immuno-reference sensor and generates a signal that is the same as or predictably related to the degree of non-specific binding which occurs in the region of the first immunosensor, and has an immunocomplex between an immobilized antibody and an endogenous or exogenous protein that is in the sample and that is not the target analyte.
US08309347B2
Cell expansion systems and methods of use are provided. The cell expansion systems generally include a hollow fiber cell growth chamber, and first and second circulation loops (intracapillary loops and extracapillary loops) associated with the interior of the hollow fibers and exterior of the hollow fibers, respectively. Detachable flow circuits and methods of expanding cells are also provided.
US08309346B2
A non-invasive measurement of biological tissue reveals information about the function of that tissue. Polarized light is directed onto the tissue, stimulating the emission of fluorescence, due to one or more endogenous fluorophors in the tissue. Fluorescence anisotropy is then calculated. Such measurements of fluorescence anisotropy are then used to assess the functional status of the tissue, and to identify the existence and severity of disease states. Such assessment can be made by comparing a fluorescence anisotropy profile with a known profile of a control.
US08309341B2
Compounds of formula (I): wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a group of formula COR4, or R1 represents a group of formula (A): R2 represents a group of formula NR5R6, or R2 represents a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, m represents an integer between 1 and 6 inclusive, n represents 0, 1 or 2, their optical isomers, and also addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in treating and/or preventing thrombotic events.
US08309339B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide alkaline proteases having industrially sufficient protein productivity and a significant detergency. In the alkaline proteases, the amino acid residues at (a) position 9, (b) position 49, (c) position 194, (d) position 212, (e) position 237, (f) position 245, (g) position 281, (h) position 313, (i) position 379 and (j) position 427 in SEQ ID NO: 2 are selected from the following amino acid residues; Position (a); glutamine, Position (b); glutamine, Position (c); lysine or arginine, Position (d); arginine, asparagine or glutamine, Position (e); asparagines, Position (f); asparagines. Position (g); arginine, Position (h); asparagines, Position (i); lysine, arginine, glutamic acid or aspartic acid, and Position (j); arginine.
US08309337B2
The inventors realized that the diversity generated by conventional methods may be limited by steric hindrance between amino acid residues in the three-dimensional structures of the resulting polypeptides. The steric hindrance may occur between amino acid residues at widely different positions in the amino acid sequences, e.g. between residues in two different domains of the 3D structure, and resulting polypeptides which include such steric hindrance may never be observed in the conventional recombination methods because they may be expressed in poor yields or may have poor activity or stability. The inventors developed a method to identify and alleviate such steric hindrance in the resulting polypeptides. In an alignment of the three-dimensional structures, steric hindrance is indicated when residues from two different structures are located within a certain distance. Pairs of residues at corresponding positions in the amino acid sequences are not considered, and residues close to the surface (high solvent accessibility) are considered to be less prone to steric hindrance.
US08309333B1
AlkB from Pseudomonas putida was engineered using in-vivo directed evolution to hydroxylate small chain alkanes. Mutant AlkB-BMO1 hydroxylates propane and butane at the terminal carbon at a rate greater than the wild-type to form 1-propanol and 1-butanol, respectively. Mutant AlkB-BMO2 similarly hydroxylates propane and butane at the terminal carbon at a rate greater than the wild-type to form 1-propanol and 1-butanol, respectively. These biocatalysts are highly active for small chain alkane substrates and their regioselectivity is retained in whole-cell biotransformations.
US08309332B2
Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions include polynucleotides encoding herbicide resistance or tolerance polypeptides, vectors comprising those polynucleotides, and host cells comprising the vectors. The nucleotide sequences of the invention can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms, including microorganisms and plants. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated polynucleotides encoding glyphosate resistance or tolerance polypeptides are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated polynucleotides comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, 4, or 6, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 3, or 5. The present invention additionally provides a method to measure enzyme kinetic activity using fluorogenic substrates.
US08309310B2
The present invention relates to a generic method for detecting a kinase or phosphatase activity. The method comprises the following steps: incubating a kinase or phosphatase activity sample with a kinase or phosphatase substrate molecule comprising either a fluorophore having a detectable readout or molecule with an aromatic group which serves as a quencher of the fluorophore, incubating the mixture of step a) with a detection entity comprising either a fluorophore or a molecule with an aromatic group and a binding partner, wherein the substrate molecule and the detection entity are capable of binding to the binding partner and the binding of the substrate molecule and the detection entity to the binding partner lead to an altered readout of the fluorophore, and measuring the readout of the fluorophore in the mixture of step b), wherein an altered readout of the fluorophore compared to a blank is indicative for the presence of a kinase or phosphatase activity in the sample.
US08309308B2
A method for determining the amount of template nucleic acid present in a sample comprising the steps of: i) bringing into association with the sample all the components necessary for nucleic acid amplification, and all the components necessary for a bioluminescence assay for nucleic acid amplification and subsequently: ii) performing the nucleic acid amplification reaction; iii) monitoring the intensity of light output from the bioluminescence assay; and iv) determining the amount of template nucleic acid present in the sample.
US08309306B2
The invention provides methods, kits, devices and compositions for detecting one or more target analytes. In some embodiments, the invention provides binding elements and labeling elements capable of being joined through a plurality of joining elements.
US08309305B2
The present invention describes methods for discriminating between nucleotide sequences of first and second nucleic acids, including: providing a reaction solution, including a deoxynucleotide triphosphate, a DNA polymerase with strand displacement ability, a template nucleic acid fragment, a primer, and a mask oligo; incubating the reaction solution, obtaining a polymerase reaction, and producing an amplification product; detecting the amplification product to discriminate between the nucleotide sequences, wherein the primer is complementary to the first nucleic acid, the mask oligo hybridizes to the nucleotide sequence portion of the first and second nucleic acid, wherein the mask oligo is more complementary to the second nucleic acid than to the first nucleic acid, and wherein the mask oligo is not an origin of an elongation reaction with the polymerase, and a primer portion and a mask oligo portion hybridize to the same regions on the first and second nucleic acid.
US08309303B2
The invention relates to a method for processing RNA, in particular, a RNA reaction method and kits for carrying out said RNA reaction method.
US08309293B2
The present disclosure provides carriers for use with toner compositions. In embodiments, a carrier may include a core, having a dry powder polymer coating. In embodiments, the coating may also include a colorant, such as carbon black. Processes for coating such carriers with the dry powder polymer coatings are also provided.
US08309286B2
The invention provides an electrophotographic photoreceptor having at least a conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed on the conductive substrate wherein the outermost surface layer of the photoreceptor is composed of a cured material containing at least one compound represented by the formula (I) and a surfactant that contains, in the molecule thereof, at least one structure selected from (A) a structure that is obtained by polymerizing an acrylic monomer having a fluorine atom, (B) a structure having a carbon-carbon double bond and a fluorine atom, (C) an alkyleneoxide structure, and (D) a structure having a carbon-carbon triple bond and a hydroxy group. In formula (I), Q is an organic group having a valency of n and having hole transportability, R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, L is a divalent organic group, n is 1 or more, and j is 0 or 1.
US08309277B2
A photomask is manufactured from a photomask blank comprising a transparent substrate and a light-shielding film consisting of upper and lower layers of transition metal-containing silicon base materials, the content of O+N in the upper layer being higher than that of the lower layer. The light-shielding film is processed in two steps by fluorine dry etching through a resist pattern such that a lower portion of the film is left behind, and oxygen-containing chlorine dry etching for removing the remainder of the film.
US08309275B2
A method for preparing a membrane to be assembled in a membrane, electrode assembly includes the step of swelling an ion-conducting membrane in a liquid containing at least one solvent or to an atmosphere containing the vapor phase of at least one solvent by controlling the content of the solvent in the ion-conducting membrane. A method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly using an ion conducting membrane includes the steps of: providing an ion-conducting membrane in a pre-swollen state; coating the ion-conducting membrane on both sides with an electrode layer to form a sandwich; and hot-pressing the sandwich to form an ion-conducting bonding of the layers of the sandwich. Furthermore, a membrane electrode assembly is disclosed including a hot pressed sandwich having an electrode layer, a ion-conducting membrane and again an electrode layer, thereby using the ion-conducting membrane in its pre-swollen status prior to the hot-pressing.
US08309274B2
A separator plate for a fuel cell is provided, including a substrate having a radiation-cured first flow field layer disposed thereon. A method for fabricating the separator plate is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate; applying a first radiation-sensitive material to the substrate; placing a first mask between a first radiation source and the first radiation-sensitive material, the first mask having a plurality of substantially radiation-transparent apertures; and exposing the first radiation-sensitive material to a plurality of first radiation beams to form a radiation-cured first flow field layer adjacent the substrate. A fuel cell having the separator plate is also provided.
US08309273B2
A polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes: a membrane-electrode assembly (10) having a polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and a pair of electrodes (4, 8) sandwiching a portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) which portion is located inwardly of a peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1); an electrically-conductive first separator (30) disposed to contact the membrane-electrode assembly (10) and formed such that a groove-like first reactant gas channel (37) is formed on one main surface thereof so as to bend; and an electrically-conductive second separator (20) disposed to contact the membrane-electrode assembly (10) and formed such that a groove-like second reactant gas channel (27) is formed on one main surface thereof so as to bend, wherein the first reactant gas channel (27) is formed such that a width of a portion of the first reactant gas channel (27) which portion is formed at least a portion (hereinafter referred to as an uppermost stream portion 8C of the first separator 30) located between a portion where the first reactant gas channel (27) extending from an upstream end thereof first contacts the electrode 8 and a portion where the second reactant gas channel (27) extending from an upstream end thereof first contacts the electrode 4 is smaller than a width of a portion of the first reactant gas channel (27) which portion is formed at a portion other than the uppermost stream portion 8C of the first separator 30.
US08309266B2
The invention relates to fuel cell devices and systems, and methods of using and making fuel cell devices and systems. The fuel cell devices include an elongate ceramic substrate, such as a rectangular or tubular substrate, the length of which is the greatest dimension such that thermal expansion is exhibited along a dominant axis that is coextensive with the length. A reaction zone is positioned along a first portion of the length for heating to an operating reaction temperature, and at least one cold zone is positioned along a second portion of the length for operating at a temperature below the operating reaction temperature. There are one or more fuel passages and one or more oxidizer passages extending within an interior solid support structure of the elongate substrate, each having an associated anode and cathode, respectively, which are separated by an electrolyte. The passages include a neck-down point.
US08309263B2
A fuel cell assembly has a housing defining an electricity generation/combustion chamber, and electricity generation/combustion means disposed within the housing. A fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas are supplied to the electricity generation/combustion means, and a combustion gas formed within the electricity generation/combustion chamber is discharged from the electricity generation/combustion chamber. A heat exchanger having a first channel and a second channel is disposed on at least one surface of the housing, the combustion gas is discharged from the interior of the electricity generation/combustion chamber through the first channel of the heat exchanger, and one of the oxygen-containing gas and the fuel gas is supplied to the electricity generation/combustion means through the second channel of the heat exchanger. A plurality of electricity generation units are arranged in parallel within the housing, and each of the electricity generation units includes a cell stack constituting the electricity generation/combustion means.
US08309261B2
This invention provides a fuel cell system which can render the distribution of water in an electrolyte membrane even without lowing the pressure of a fuel system (1) comprises an electrolyte membrane (11), an oxidant electrode provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane (11), and a fuel electrode provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane (11). An oxidant gas flow passage (14) for supplying an oxidant gas along the face of the oxidant electrode and a fuel gas flow passage (15) for supplying a fuel has along the face of the fuel electrode are provided so that the flow direction of the oxidant gas faces the flow direction of the fuel gas. A control unit (50) conducts control so that, when the electrolyte membrane (11) is dry, the flow rate of the fuel gas which flows through the fuel gas flow passage (15) is increased.
US08309256B2
Provided is a microporous film formed of a thermoplastic resin composition comprising 100 parts by mass of (a) a polyolefin resin and from 5 to 90 parts by mass of (b) a polyphenylene ether resin; the microporous film having a sea-island structure with the polyolefin resin as a sea portion and with the polyphenylene ether resin as an island portion and having a air permeability of from 10 sec/100 cc to 5000 sec/100 cc. The microporous film does not break easily even at high temperatures and has good heat resistance.
US08309255B2
An electrochemical cell includes a cathode with an aluminum current collector, a positive lead including aluminum, steel, or titanium coupled to the cathode current collector, an anode, and an electrolyte including up to 0.15M of a bis(oxalate) borate salt and an additional lithium salt.
US08309252B2
Silicon oxide based composite anode active materials including amorphous silicon oxides are provided. In one embodiment, the amorphous silicon oxide is represented by SiOx (where 0
US08309251B2
A battery includes a battery cell and a battery housing. The battery cell includes arcuate portions wherein an outer circumference of the battery cell is formed at least in part to be arcuate. The battery housing includes angular portions respectively opposing the arcuate portions and for storing the battery cell therein. Support walls having substantially the same curvatures as the arcuate portions and supporting the arcuate portions are formed along an insertion direction of the battery cell.
US08309248B2
A battery cell carrier assembly having a battery cell carrier for holding a battery cell is provided. The battery cell carrier includes a trapping member for holding the battery cell. The battery cell carrier has at least one aperture extending therethrough for allowing air to flow therethrough to contact the first side of the battery cell for cooling the battery cell. The battery cell carrier further includes a panel member configured to be coupled to the trapping member for holding the battery cell therebetween. The panel member has at least one aperture extending therethrough for allowing air to flow therethrough to contact the battery cell for cooling the battery cell.
US08309246B2
A terminal of a rechargeable battery, which can provide a current path having reduced resistance between a bus bar and the terminal by separately forming a collector terminal and a coupling terminal while increasing a coupling force between the bus bar and the collector terminal, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. In one embodiment, the terminal includes a collector terminal electrically connected to an electrode assembly disposed at the inside of a case and protruding toward the outside of the case, a lower fixing member having the collector terminal passing therethrough, a coupling terminal coupled to the lower fixing member in a sliding manner and protruding toward the outside of the lower fixing member, and an upper fixing member allowing the coupling terminal to pass therethrough and to be coupled thereto and covering the lower fixing member.
US08309242B2
A battery cell including: an anode configured to operate as a source of cations during discharge of the battery cell; and an electrolyte configured to transport the cations from the anode to the a cathode during discharge of the battery cell, wherein the cathode includes material that is configured to enable the reversible insertion of transported cations during discharge of the battery cell and that has optical properties that are dependent upon cation insertion and that is viewable by a user.
US08309238B2
The present invention has its object to offer magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproducing device that can record and reproduce high density data by optimizing the soft magnetic layer material forming the soft magnetic underlayer and the under layer material. In the present invention, the perpendicular magnetic recording medium A has at least the soft magnetic underlayer a, the under layer 5, the intermediate layer 6 and the perpendicular magnetic recording layer on the non-magnetic substrate 1. The soft magnetic layers 2, 4 that form the soft magnetic underlayer a, has an amorphous structure and is made of CoAl alloy or CoFeAl alloy having saturation magnetic flux density Bs greater than 1.1 T.
US08309236B2
Provided is a protective alumina film mainly containing alumina in the α-crystal structure and fine crystal grains in which one or more regions containing additionally an element other than aluminum formed along the planes in the direction almost perpendicular to the thickness direction of the protective film are present intermittently in the thickness direction inside the protective film.
US08309234B2
The invention provides a multilayer film-coated member having sufficient heat resistance and abrasion resistance and capable of exhibiting an effect of preventing adhesion even in cutting work of steel materials that may readily cause adhesion to cutting tools, and therefore capable of prolonging tools, and provides a method for producing it. The multilayer film-coated member is fabricated by coating the surface of a substrate with at least two hard coating films having different compositions, in which the first composition hard coating film of the outermost layer of the hard coating films represented by SiaBbNcCdOe with a+b+c+d+e=1, 0.1≦a≦0.5, 0.01≦b≦0.2, 0.05≦c≦0.6, 0.1≦d≦0.7 and 0
US08309223B2
A method is disclosed for the manufacture of a powdered polyimide extrudate for use as a purge media. The method includes feeding a polyimide film material into an extruder having a first zone that provides heating and a subsequent second zone that provides endothermic shearing. In one embodiment, the resulting purge media comprises a sheared polyimide powder having an average particle size in a range of about 5 to 100 microns (or any sub-range thereof). The purge media can comprises up to 35 weight percent other additives.
US08309218B2
Components for the manufacture of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are provided, as well as apparatus and automatable methods for their manufacture by rotary die cutting and by lamination of various layers to form membrane electrode assemblies. A method and apparatus for performing the method are provided comprising die-cutting webs of catalyst decal materials or electrode materials to make first and second workpieces at first and second rotary die stations; holding the die-cut workpieces by action of sub-ambient air pressure to an endless perforated belt of first and second vacuum conveyors, typically before they are fully cut from the first and second webs; transporting first and second workpieces to opposing sides of a membrane in a laminating station; concurrently feeding the first and second workpieces into the laminating nip adjacent to the membrane, and laminating the first and second workpieces to the membrane.
US08309216B2
The invention relates to a substrate with an electron donating surface, having metal particles on its surface, the metal particles including palladium and at least one metal selected from gold, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, wherein the amount of the metal particles is from about 0.001 to about 8 μg/cm2. A method of manufacturing the substrate including the steps a) depositing metal particles from a suspension of metal particles onto the substrate, b) rising and c) drying.
US08309209B2
A ribbon crystal has a body with a width dimension, and string embedded within the body. The string has a generally elongated cross-sectional shape. This cross-section (of the string) has a generally longitudinal axis that diverges with the width dimension of the ribbon crystal body.
US08309203B2
A water-soluble substrate, and more particularly a water-soluble substrate that is resistant to dissolution, and methods of making the same are disclosed. The water-soluble substrate has a first and second surface. Water-insoluble particles are applied to and partially embedded in at least one of said first and second surfaces, thereby forming protruberances on said first and/or second surface. The protruberances have an average height of from 10 nanometer to 100 micrometer, and the average distance between adjacent peaks of said protruberances is from 10 nanometer to 200 micrometer. Articles, such as pouches, made from the water-soluble substrate, are also disclosed herein.
US08309195B2
An optical information recording medium of the present invention is a read-only optical information recording medium in which at least one reflective film formed of an Al-based alloy and at least one light transmission layer are successively laminated on a substrate. The arithmetical mean roughness of the reflective film is 0.5 nm or less, and the thickness of the reflective film is 25 nm or more. The optical information recording medium of the present invention is the read-only optical information recording medium including the reflective film which has a high reflectivity and low jitter, preferably has excellent durability, and is used particularly appropriately in an optical disc using a blue laser such as BD-ROM or HD DVD-ROM.
US08309188B2
A pull up artificial tree system is adapted to change from a collapsed storage state to an expanded operable state. The pull up tree system includes a base system, a trunk, and a first tree assembly. The first tree assembly includes a top portion; a plurality of frame assemblies comprising a collar, a plurality of outwardly extending support braces, a perimeter, and branch assemblies; and a connection assembly. The collars are slidably disposed upon the trunk, such that they can be pulled upwardly. The pull up tree system can support a regularly arranged artificial tree and/or an inverted tree. In addition, the pull up tree system can be stored in a shell that is slidably disposable within a storage container.
US08309185B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for forming a nanoparticle film, which comprises the steps of: preparing a nanoparticle solution, which comprises a solvent and supersaturated nanoparticles with surface ligand molecules; and dip coating a substrate to the nanoparticle solutions to form a first monolayer of the nanoparticles on the substrate, the first monolayer and repeatedly formed monolayers on top of the first monolayer constructing the nanoparticle film. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a nanoparticle film, comprising a first monolayer consisted of a two-dimensional nanoparticles array that are near-field coupled with each other to have tunable plasmonic properties by changing the number of stacked monolayers.
US08309183B2
A method of making a magnesium alloy housing includes steps as follows: providing a magnesium alloy base; submerging the magnesium alloy base in a phosphate solution, thereby forming a chemical plating layer on the surface thereof; coating a prime coating on the chemical plating layer and drying the prime coating, thereby forming a prime layer; coating an enamel on the prime layer and drying the enamel, thereby forming a color coating layer; grinding the color coating layer with a grinding wheel, thereby forming a hair line layer; coating a metallic coating on the hair line layer and drying the metallic coating, thereby forming a decorative layer; and coating a transparent coat on the decorative layer and drying the transparent coat, thereby forming a transparent protecting layer.
US08309167B2
This invention relates to methods of making single phase nanocrystalline titanium dioxide. It is hereby provided a method for preparing single-phase anatase type titanium dioxide photocatalyst having a particle size of nano level at near room temperatures without the need for a sintering process at high temperatures.
US08309165B2
The present invention discloses a color filter by copper and silver film, comprising: a lower copper layer; a lower silver layer formed on the lower copper layer; a medium formed on the lower silver layer; an upper copper layer formed on the medium; and an upper silver layer formed on the upper copper layer.
US08309161B2
The invention provides a medical implant device or component thereof comprising a metal substrate, an intermediate coating, and an outer coating of aluminum oxide, as well as a method of making such a medical implant device or component thereof.
US08309145B2
The present invention relates to processes for the treatment of liquors derived from oil-bearing fruit, for example from oil palm fruit, and to products therefrom. Typically a process involves removal of undissolved solids, oleaginous parts, colloids and higher weight molecules from the vegetation liquor to give an aqueous fraction containing phytochemicals, for example, flavonoids, phenolic acids and hydroxy acids. Subsequently, pH adjustment and solvent extraction upon said aqueous fraction realise an extract rich in hydroxy acids or phenolic acids or flavonoids or any combination thereof. Applications of the substances subject of this invention are to be found in drinks, edible products, tonics, health supplements, antioxidant additives, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, detergents, drugs or medicinal products.
US08309140B2
The purpose of this study was to identify the periodontal regeneration factors in enamel protein shown to induce cementum- and osteo-promotive activities in vivo. The cementum regeneration (CR), a part of periodontal regeneration, was examined by using experimental cavities prepared in a buccal dehiscence dog model. The CR activity was found in the aggregate consisted of sheath proteins along with a small amount of amelogenins separated from newly formed secretory enamel. The sheath proteins were purified to be homogeneous, and examined for the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) inducing activity of human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells. Application of 17 kDa sheath protein induced ALP activity in HPDL cells. Peptides synthesized from the sheath protein sequence also showed ALP inducing activity. The 17 kDa sheath protein has cell differentiation activity.
US08309135B2
Methods of preparing a composition comprising non-ionic, radioactive gold nanoparticles (R-GNPs) are disclosed. The method comprises: a) providing an aqueous composition comprising gold (Au-197) ions in the absence of a template; and b) exposing the aqueous composition in the absence of the template to neutron irradiation to generate the composition comprising the non-ionic R-GNPs. Alternatively, the method comprises: a) providing an aqueous composition comprising gold (Au-197) nanoparticles (GNPs) in the absence of a template; and b) exposing the aqueous composition comprising the GNPs in the absence of the template to neutron irradiation and thereby generating the composition comprising the non-ionic R-GNPs. Compositions that comprises mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and non-ionic R-GNPs encapsulated within pores and/or channels and further anchored to the surfaces of the MSNs, and methods of making the same are also disclosed.
US08309134B2
The present disclosure relates to non-aggregating nanoparticles and their associated methods of preparation. The nanoparticles may have a surface and a size range of 1 nm to 999 nm, along with a zeta potential of −50 to 50 millivolts. A polycation and/or polyanion may be disposed on the nanoparticle surface. In addition, an active ingredient may be encapsulated within the nanoparticles or associated with the polycation or polyanion on the nanoparticle surface.
US08309128B2
It is intended to provide a milnacipran formulation which is more stable than a conventionally known milnacipran formulation, and a method of stabilizing a milnacipran formulation. The object could be achieved by using a milnacipran-containing composition in which milnacipran or a salt thereof is allowed to exist in a porous carrier, packing a powder containing milnacipran or a salt thereof in an HPMC capsule, or combining an additive which does not cause an interaction with milnacipran with time.
US08309121B2
Compositions and nanoemulsions containing lipid nanocapsules dispersed in a hydrophilic phase, such nanocapsules including at least one avermectin compound, are useful for the treatment of dermatological pathologies, e.g., rosacea.
US08309119B2
The present invention aims at providing an adhesive preparation wherein a drug is sufficiently dissolved in an adhesive layer and is not easily separated from the adhesive layer even during preservation of the adhesive preparation.The present invention provides an adhesive preparation having an adhesive layer on at least one surface of a support, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a first synthetic rubber having a viscosity average molecular weight of 1,600,000-6,500,000, a drug, an organic liquid component and a tackifier. The present invention further provides the aforementioned adhesive preparation, wherein the organic liquid component is contained in the adhesive layer in a proportion of 20 wt % or above relative to the total weight of the adhesive layer.
US08309115B2
The invention relates to porous matrices based on a biologically compatible polymer or polymer mixture, to a cell implantation that is established on said matrices and to additional cell implantation based on cell mixtures of hepatocytes and islets of Langerhans. The invention also relates to a method for producing porous matrices, to matrices obtained according to said method and to a special method for obtaining cells for the inoculation of an implantable matrix.
US08309114B2
Methods and devices relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices are disclosed.
US08309109B2
A cosmetic in an emulsified state, in which a titanium dioxide microparticle coated with hydrous silicic acid and/or a hydrous silicate compound, a higher alcohol, an oily component other than the higher alcohol, and a polysaccharide are contained, and the polysaccharide containing at least one of fucose, glucose, glucuronic acid and rhamnose as a constituent monosaccharide, and having fucose and/or rhamnose in a side chain is contained in an amount of 0.01% by weight to 1% by weight relative to the total amount of the cosmetic. And a cosmetic containing the higher alcohol, the oily component and the polysaccharide in an emulsified state, in which the higher alcohol is composed of two or more kinds of higher alcohols having different molecular weights, and is contained in the cosmetic in an amount of 1% by weight to 20% by weight relative to the total amount of the cosmetic. The oily component is contained in an amount of 1% by weight to 20% by weight relative to the total amount of the cosmetic, and the polysaccharide is contained in an amount of 0.01% by weight to 1% by weight relative to the total amount of the cosmetic, and a producing method thereof.
US08309104B2
The present invention relates to a novel controlled release dosage form that releases therapeutic amounts of a sedative or hypnotic agent rapidly after administration and maintains therapeutic levels for about eight hours after administration.
US08309102B2
The present invention relates, in part, to methods and compositions for immunizing against infection by Chlamydia trachomatis. The methods and compositions rely, in part, on administering an immunogenic composition comprising one or more peptides derived from C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP) to a subject to be immunized. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a chimeric immunogens, expression vectors comprising the polynucleotides, and kits comprising the compositions are also provided.
US08309101B2
The present invention relates to live attenuated bacteria of the species Pasteurella multocida, to live attenuated vaccines comprising such live attenuated bacteria, to the use of such bacteria for the manufacture of such vaccines, to methods for the preparation of such vaccines and to diagnostic tests for the detection of such bacteria.
US08309098B2
The invention relates to novel insertion sites useful for the integration of HIV DNA sequences into the MVA genome, and to the resulting recombinant MVA derivatives.
US08309097B2
C-type lectins are involved in the binding of many different types of carbohydrates. Considering their diversity in kind and expression of different types of cells, the influence of such binding is very diverse and dependent among others on the type of cell, the environment of the cell and the type of carbohydrate bound. In the present invention new carbohydrate specificities of C-type lectins are disclosed. Interference with this binding property has uses in the prevention of pathogen binding and also in influencing signaling pathways in the C-type lectin containing cell, particularly in Toll like receptor expressing cells such as dendritic cells. Also provided is the use of the carbohydrate specificity to enhance antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells and to manipulate migration of C-type lectin containing cells and the interaction of C-type lectin expressing cells with cellular ligands on neighboring cells.
US08309096B2
Fusion proteins comprising an antigen derived from NY-ESO-1 linked to an antigen derived from LAGE-1, which may further comprise carriers, fusion partners, or the like, are provided. Methods for preparing, formulating, and using such fusion proteins are also provided. Such proteins are useful a vaccine components for inducing an immune response against a range of cancer-antigen-bearing cells.
US08309093B2
Antibody drug conjugates (ADC's) that bind to 24P4C12 protein and variants thereof are described herein. 24P4C12 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, the ADC's of the invention provide a therapeutic composition for the treatment of cancer.
US08309091B2
The invention relates to the use of substances which are specific to CEACAM8 for the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of human autoimmune diseases and/or gout. Another object of the invention concerns the use of CEACAM8-specific substances for apoptosis induction in-vitro. The invention also relates to a method for screening substances which induce apoptosis and a method for inducing apoptosis in human granulocytes.
US08309089B2
The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies which are specific for human cytomegalovirus and bind with high affinity as well as immortalized B cells that produce such antibodies. The invention also relates to the epitopes that the antibodies bind to as well as the use of the antibodies and the epitopes in screening methods as well as the diagnosis and therapy of disease.
US08309086B2
The invention, in general, features a method of treatment and/or prevention of a thrombotic pathological condition, in a mammal, which includes administering to the mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including an antibody directed against the C1 domain of Factor VIII, which is a partially inhibitory antibody of Factor VIII.
US08309065B2
The invention relates to hydrocarbon mixtures containing linear C11 and linear C13 hydrocarbons, wherein the sum of the linear C11 and linear C13 hydrocarbons is greater than or equal to 60 wt. % with relation to the sum of the hydrocarbons, and to the use of said mixtures in cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations.
US08309062B2
The present invention provides a cooling component or sensate component which does not have undesirable stimulus feeling, bitterness and the like and is excellent in the persistence of refresh-feeling and cool-feeling, a sensate composition which comprises the same, and various products that comprise said sensate composition. The present invention relates to a cooling agent comprising (3S)-1-menthyl 3-hydroxybutyrate represented by the following formula (I)
US08309057B2
Methods and systems are described that release one or both of a neurotrophin and an inhibitor of the degradation of the neurotrophin within or in the vicinity of a highly innervated tissue. In some embodiments, the method includes regulating the release of the neurotrophin and the inhibitor of degradation over time. In some embodiments, the method includes monitoring the concentration of the neurotrophin over time. The system may include a device or multiple devices for the release of the neurotrophin and the inhibitor as well as a controller. In some embodiments the system may include a sensor device and/or an imaging device capable of detecting the concentration of the neurotrophin over time. The release of the neurotrophin and inhibitor of degradation may be part of a controlled release system and regulated over time.
US08309056B2
Provided is a biomarker that enables easy and rapid detection of oxidative stress on a living organism and enables prevention of tissue damage or cell necrosis by drug administration, and which is a powerful marker for the study of toxicity and pharmacokinetics of various agents. Oxidative stress is determined by measuring blood concentration of ophthalmic acid, which is a substance that varies in blood depending on the variation of reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration in a biological sample with the use of an analyzer such as a capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometer. Further, an anti-oxidative stress agent is screened by administering an anti-oxidative stress candidate agent to a non-human animal under oxidative stress conditions, measuring blood concentration of ophthalmic acid, and evaluating the degree of decrease in the ophthalmic acid concentration.
US08309044B2
An after-treatment device for an automotive engine includes a substrate having a thermoelectric generation element disposed in an interior volume thereof. The substrate has a first end, a second end, and an outermost lateral dimension that defines an interior volume, and is configured to flow engine exhaust gas from the first end to the second end such that the flowing exhaust gas is in thermal contact with the thermoelectric generation element.
US08309037B2
An apparatus and a method for processing tissue samples are described. The apparatus comprises: at least one retort for accommodating tissue samples; at least one container for storing alcohol or xylene; a valve adapted to connect the at least one retort with the at least one container depending on an operating position of the valve; and at least a first sensor that is arranged in flow direction between the container and the retort for measuring a value of a parameter that represents a purity level of the alcohol or xylene; wherein the first sensor and the valve are configured to replace the alcohol or xylene depending on the value of the parameter that represents the purity level. The method comprises for the alcohol or xylene conducting between the container and the retort; automatically measuring the purity level and replacing depending on the purity level.
US08309031B2
A gas hydrate production apparatus capable of reacting a raw gas with a raw water to thereby form a slurry gas hydrate and capable of removing water from the slurry gas hydrate by means of a gravitational dewatering unit. The gravitational dewatering unit is one including a cylindrical first tower body; a cylindrical dewatering part disposed on top of the first tower body; a water receiving part disposed outside the dewatering part; and a cylindrical second tower body disposed on top of the dewatering part, wherein the cross-sectional area of the second tower body is continuously or intermittently increased upward from the bottom.
US08309030B2
An enhancement control system that can be used as part of an enhanced water system to produce enhanced filtered water is described. The enhancement control system includes at least one enhancement delivery element that can dispense an enhancement(s) into filtered water in response to an enhancement delivery instruction(s). The enhancement control system can also include an input element that can enable transmittal of the enhancement delivery instruction(s) from a user to the enhancement delivery element(s). The control system can also include a memory element that can store information about the user and the user's preferences and information about the enhanced water system. The control system can also include a communication element that can provide information from the enhanced water system to the user. The control system can also include a monitor element that can gather data from outside the enhanced water system, such as user health information or environmental information, and provide the data to the enhanced water system. In some embodiments, a control logic element can be used to coordinate and control operation of the elements of the enhanced water system.
US08309029B1
An improved system for collecting, detecting, and classifying submicron-sized particles in a sample comprising an Integrated Virus Detection System (IVDS) of the type wherein the detecting means includes a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) and condensation particle counter (CPC), the improvement comprising positioning an aerosol collector or an electrostatic collector between the differential mobility analyzer and the condensation particle counter wherein submicron-sized particles from the environmental sample are collected for further analysis.
US08309028B2
The present invention provides a chemiresistor-based sensor for measuring the presence or amount of analyte in an electrolyte solution; said chemiresistor comprising (i) a chemiresistor film wherein the impedance of said nanoparticle film changes in the presence of an analyte; and (ii) two electrically conducting electrodes in electrical contact with said nanoparticle film; wherein said electrically conducting electrodes are adapted to be connected to a device for measuring the impedance of said chemiresistor film under a voltage signal and wherein the impedance of the double layer capacitor formed by the two electrically conducting electrodes in the presence of the electrolyte solution, is larger than the impedance of the chemiresistor film either before or after exposure of the chemiresistor film to the analyte. A method of using said chemiresistor-based sensor to measure the presence or amount of analyte is also provided. Further provided is a method of determining the partition coefficient of an analyte using said chemiresistor-based sensor.
US08309005B2
A method of making a customized packaging film for a pharmaceutical product is disclosed. The method is based on a packaging requirement needs for a particular product at various climatic conditions based on the various properties of a group of packaging materials. The method involves evaluating the sensitivity of a pharmaceutical product towards various environment factors and inherent factors, quantification of the sensitivity parameters, determining the threshold values of the sensitivity parameters for a pre defined shelf life; determining threshold values of barrier properties of various packaging materials, determining physical properties of packaging material and selecting a packaging material and its thickness which matches the product requirement.
US08309002B2
A method for compression molding a thin cover layer over a large or soft core golf ball, wherein the process includes mold press speed of closure, pressure within the mold cavities, temperature of materials being molded, and the movement of the compression press is controlled by as the mold position rather than any fixed amounts of time. A Ram press is moved in a very controlled fashion during the low pressure stage by a servo controller, and is governed by data fed to a control computer by a linear potentiometer, which allows for a very deliberate movement, especially over the last 0.4 inches of closing. A pressure transducer and thermocouples determine the flow point of the cover layer. Once the cover material starts to flow, the Ram press is triggered into a high pressure close wherein the cover layer is formed and then finally cooled.
US08309001B2
A highly-filled paste, and a method and device of de-aerating and injecting the paste, the paste including: (a) a solid filler; (b) an organic binder, and (c) a residual gas, wherein the paste contains at least 80 volume-% of the solid filler and has a viscosity exceeding 100 kilopascal·seconds, wherein the filler, binder, and residual gas are intimately mixed so as to form a substantially homogeneous paste, and wherein a composition of the solid filler, binder, and residual gas is selected such that the homogeneous paste has: an average density greater than 98.5% of a Theoretical Maximum Density (TMD).
US08308994B1
A stable colloidal suspension of carbon-based nanomaterials in a solvent has a stable colloidal suspension of nanodiamond particles having at least one additional carbon-based electromagnetic radiation attenuating nanomaterial nanomaterials disbursed and agitated into the solvent to produce said suspension. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08308989B2
The invention relates to platinum-metal oxide composite particles and their use as electrocatalysts in oxygen-reducing cathodes and fuel cells. The invention particularly relates to methods for preventing the oxidation of the platinum electrocatalyst in the cathodes of fuel cells by use of these platinum-metal oxide composite particles. The invention additionally relates to methods for producing electrical energy by supplying such a fuel cell with an oxidant, such as oxygen, and a fuel source, such as hydrogen.
US08308988B2
There is provided an electroactive material having Formula I wherein: Q is the same or different at each occurrence and can be O, S, Se, Te, NR, SO, SO2, P, PO, PO2, and SiR2; R is the same or different at each occurrence and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R1 through R10 are the same or different and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, hydroxyl, aryloxy, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, alkylthio, phosphino, silyl, —COR, —COOR, —PO3R2, —OPO3R2, or CN.
US08308987B2
A conductive composition for use in an organic light-emitting device comprising: a polycation having a conjugated backbone; a polyanion to balance the charge on the polycation; and a semiconductive hole transport polymer containing side groups pendant from the polymer backbone, each side group comprising one or more groups XY, where XY represents a group with a high dissociation constant such that it is ionized completely.
US08308983B2
The invention is directed to a process to prepare a gas mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide from an ash containing carbonaceous feedstock. The process involves a partial oxidation obtaining liquid ash and a gas mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and solids. The liquid ash is separated from the gas mixture and the temperature of the gas mixture is reduced in the absence of the separated ash. The gas mixture is passed through a vertically positioned diptube wherein water is added to the gas mixture flowing through the diptube to obtain a gas/water mixture. The liquid is separated from the gas/water mixture. The gas thus obtained is passed together with an amount of liquid water through a venturi mixer and scrubbed.
US08308982B2
Compounds, phosphor materials and apparatus related to nacaphite family of materials are presented. Potassium and rubidium based nacaphite family compounds and phosphors designed by doping divalent rare earth elements in the sites of alkaline earth metals in the nacaphite material families are descried. An apparatus comprising the phosphors based on the nacaphite family materials are presented herein. The compounds presented is of formula A2B1-yRyPO4X where the elements A, B, R, X and suffix y are defined such that A is potassium, rubidium, or a combination of potassium and rubidium and B is calcium, strontium, barium, or a combination of any of calcium, strontium and barium. X is fluorine, chlorine, or a combination of fluorine and chlorine, R is europium, samarium, ytterbium, or a combination of any of europium, samarium, and ytterbium, and y ranges from 0 to about 0.1.
US08308978B2
Photoluminescent and electroluminescent compositions are provided which comprise a matrix comprising aromatic repeat units and a luminescent metal ion or luminescent metal ion complex. Methods for producing such compositions, and the electroluminescent devices formed therefrom, are disclosed.
US08308975B2
A polyol includes the reaction product of an epoxidized oil and an organic acid. The epoxidized oil and the organic acid are reacted in the presence of a Lewis base catalyst including at least one of a phosphorous atom or a nitrogen atom. The polyol is formed by a method that includes the step of reacting the epoxidized oil with the organic acid in the presence of the Lewis base catalyst.
US08308972B2
The invention relates to an additive for polishing composition, which can ensure stable polishing properties. The additive for polishing composition contains one or more amine compounds and an alcohol. The one or more amine compounds contain a quaternary ammonium salt. When the one or more amine compounds are contained in high concentration, the occurrence of precipitation of the amine compound can be prevented by including the alcohol.
US08308959B2
A material separator removes material such as sand from a fluid utilizing an inclined housing having a fluid flow inlet in a lower portion of the housing. Higher density material descends by gravity to a lower wall of the inclined housing and continues to travel down the lower wall portion to a lower section of the housing where it is removed. The remaining fluid which may contain a liquid and a gas is removed from the housing via an outlet at the upper portion of the housing.
US08308958B2
A fluid clarification system and method is described in which fluid is passed through one or more settling compartments, each having a solids outlet at the base of the compartment. The base of each compartment includes inclined surfaces for guiding settled solids to the outlet. Also described is a polymer reaction trough including baffles to promote gentle mixing of inflow fluid with flocculant. The system is designed to reduce costs of transportation, flocculant, and solids handling. The system is preferably arranged to facilitate transport on a skid or trailer, while maximizing fluid handling capabilities and minimizing costs.
US08308957B2
A separation process for separating two or more immiscible liquids using contactors utilizing high surface area vertical hanging fibers is disclosed. This separation process is especially useful in the separation of disulfide oil formed during the oxidation of spent caustic solution that was used to remove sulfur contaminates from light hydrocarbons.
US08308948B2
Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.
US08308943B2
In a humidifying membrane module, a humidifying membrane having plural hollow fiber membranes bundled together is housed in a humidifying membrane chassis having a cylindrical outer periphery, and the humidifying membrane chassis is housed in an assembly chassis having a cylindrical inner periphery. The assembly chassis has an inlet port for taking air that is made to flow into hollow parts of the humidifying membrane, an outlet port for discharging the air, an inlet port for taking an off-gas that is made to flow in gaps in the humidifying membrane, and an outlet port for discharging the off-gas. The air and the off-gas flow in flow paths formed by utilizing the humidifying membrane chassis and the assembly chassis, but are not mixed with each other at positions other than the humidifying membrane owing to annular sealing members provided between the humidifying chassis and the assembly chassis.
US08308920B2
In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell contact bar having a first pole and a pair of second poles. The second poles are opposite in charge to the first pole and each of the pair of second poles are adjacent to and parallel to the first pole. In various embodiments, the contact bar may include an electrode holder capable of holding at least one electrode.
US08308918B2
There is provided a hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator including: an electrolytic bath having an inner space of a predetermined size; a cover hermetically covering an open top of the electrolytic bath and having at least one hydrogen outlet; a flexible pocket disposed in the electrolytic bath and filled with an electrolyte of a predetermined amount; an electrode part fixed to the cover, and immersed in the electrolyte filled in the flexible pocket to electrolyze the electrolyte upon application of power; and a power supply supplying current to the electrode part. In the hydrogen generator, the electrode part and the electrolyte maintains a substantially constant contact area there between, thereby allowing hydrogen to be generated constantly and stably.
US08308917B2
An electrolyser module comprising a plurality of structural plates each having a sidewall extending between opposite end faces with a half cell chamber opening and at least two degassing chamber openings extending through the structural plate between the opposite end faces.
US08308915B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for face target sputtering to fabricate semiconductors by providing one or more materials with differential coefficients of expansion in the FTS chamber; and generating a controlled pressure and size with the one or more materials during sintering.
US08308906B2
A discharge grate assembly for at least partially guiding slurry from a mill shell chamber in a rotating mill shell to a discharge trunnion thereof via a pulp lifter chamber. The discharge grate assembly includes a body having a number of apertures for permitting the slurry to flow from the mill shell chamber into the pulp lifter chamber. The discharge grate assembly also includes a number of louvers movable between a closed position, in which the apertures in the body are at least partially covered by the louvers, and an open position, in which the apertures are at least partially unobstructed by the louvers.
US08308900B2
Methods to control lipophilic extractives in Acacia pulp and fibers are described. One method involves contacting the pulp or fibers with a composition containing at least one enzyme, such as at least one esterase or lipase or both, for a sufficient time and in a sufficient amount to control the lipophilic extractives present in the pulp or fibers.
US08308898B2
A tuner for matching impedance includes: a body having a tubular outer conductor and a tubular inner conductor coaxially provided in the outer conductor, the body forming a part of the microwave transmission path; an annular dielectric slug provided between the outer conductor and the inner conductor, the slug being movable along a longitudinal direction of the inner conductor; and a drive mechanism for moving the slug and including a drive part for applying a driving force; a drive transmission part for transmitting the driving force to the slug; a drive guide part for guiding movement of the slug; and a holding part for holding the slug at the drive transmission part, and wherein the drive transmission part, the drive guide part and the holding part are accommodated in the inner conductor.
US08308891B2
A method for forming a dye sublimation image in a plastic substrate with a sheet having an image formed thereon of a sublimatic dyestuff is provided. The image on the sheet with a treatment that deposits a silicon compound is placed against a first surface of the substrate. The sheet is heated to a sublimation temperature, which causes the image of the sheet to sublimate into the substrate. The sheet is cooled to a release temperature. The sheet is removed from the substrate.
US08308887B2
A via hole forming method and a multilayered board manufacturing method improve manufacturing yield by reducing the required processes. The via hole forming method includes a first step of forming a toner image by attaching toner particles, containing a conductive material and having a protruding portion, onto the surface of a first photosensitive member so that the protruding portion is directed to the outside; and a second step of opposing the surface of the first photosensitive member to one principal surface of a green sheet containing an insulating material and transferring the toner image to the one principal surface of the green sheet so that the protruding portions of the toner particles protrude into the green sheet so as to reach the other principal surface of the green sheet and the toner particles are buried in the green sheet. The via holes are formed using an electrophotographic printing method.
US08308886B2
The invention discloses processes for thermal transfer patterning of a nanoparticle layer and a corresponding proximate portion of a carrier layer, and optionally additional transfer layers, together onto a thermal imaging receiver. The invention is useful for dry fabrication of electronic devices. Additional embodiments of the invention include multilayer thermal imaging donors comprising in layered sequence: a base film, a carrier layer and a nanoparticle layer. The carrier layer can be a dielectric or conducting layer. When the carrier layer is a dielectric layer, the base film includes a light attenuating agent in the form of a dye or pigment.
US08308879B2
Method and device for mixing and initiating a pyrotechnic charge, comprising at least one coherent porous fuel structure (16) and at least one oxidizer (8). According to the invention, the coherent porous fuel structure (16) and the oxidizer (8) are placed apart in a mixing device (1, 20) to prevent unintentional ignition, and in which the oxidizer (8), in response to the action of a force upon the mixing device (1, 20), for example upon firing of an artillery shell, is transported into the coherent porous fuel structure (16), after which the obtained pyrotechnic charge is initiated after a set time delay.
US08308875B2
The invention provides wire rod excellent in drawability and steel wire made from the wire rod as starting material with high productivity at good yield and low cost. A hard steel wire rod of a specified composition is hot rolled, the hot-rolled steel is coiled in a specified temperature range, and the coiled steel is subjected to patenting at a predetermined cooling rate, thereby affording a high-carbon steel wire excellent in workability. It is high-strength steel wire excellent in drawability comprising a pearlite structure of an area ratio of 97% or greater and the balance of non-pearlite structures including bainite, degenerate-pearlite and pro-eutectoid ferrite and having a pearlite block size of not less than 20 μm and not greater than 45 μm. The invention also provides a high-carbon steel wire excellent in ductility, which is manufactured by subjecting the wire rod to intermediate patenting and cold drawing and has a tensile strength of 2800 MPa or greater.
US08308874B1
An alloy comprising: a magnetostrictive iron alloy having the formula: FexGayAlz, where x is of from about 65 at % to about 90 at %, y is of from about 5 at % to about 35 at %, and z is of from about 0 at % to about 30 at %; and wherein said alloy has a room temperature magnetostriction of at least approximately 150 ppm. An alloy having a saturated magnetostriction of from about at least 150 ppm comprising: a magnetostrictive iron alloy having the formula: FexGayBet, where x is of from about 65 at % to about 90 at %, y is of from about 1 at % to about 35 at %, and t is of from about 1 at % to about 30 at %; and wherein said alloy has a room temperature magnetostriction of at least approximately 150 ppm.
US08308866B2
A vapor deposition apparatus is provided, which does not cause changes in composition, decomposition and quality change of an organic vapor deposition material. The organic vapor deposition material is placed on a conveying unit by an amount for a single substrate, and conveyed into a vapor deposition vessel preliminarily heated. Since a small amount of the organic vapor deposition material is heated and exhausted through generation of an organic material vapor under heating condition for each substrate, neither decomposition nor quality change with moisture occurs because heating time is short. Even though different organic compounds are mixed, no change in composition occurs so that an organic vapor deposition material in which a base material is mixed with a coloring substance can be pooled in a pooling tank and then placed in the conveying unit.
US08308865B2
A showerhead for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) includes a head storing reaction gas flowing thereinto and feeding the stored reaction gas to a reaction chamber, and at least one support member passing through and coupled with the head and the reaction chamber so as to support the head.
US08308856B2
The present invention relates to an air separator for an extracorporeal blood circuit for separating out air from a fluid flowing through the air separator, comprising an air separation chamber having at least one inflow passage and at least one outflow passage. It further relates to an external functional apparatus, a blood circuit, and a treatment apparatus.
US08308851B2
The invention relates to compositions and methods for separating oil and other contaminants (particularly oleophilic compounds) from water, gas and other carriers. The invention is useful for separating oil, including emulsified oil, from water and other oleophilic compounds from bilgewater and other wastewater. The compositions comprise a hydrocarbon resin and a drying oil, which may be combined in an organic solvent. For example, hydrocarbon resin and tung oil are optionally combined into a naphtha solvent. The invention is also useful for removing a variety of contaminants from an air stream, such as exhaust from internal combustion engines, burners, and other sources.
US08308848B1
Gas desulfurization sorbents and methods using them for removal of sulfur from gas streams, particularly at high temperatures ranging from 500 to 1000° C. The sorbents and methods are of particular application to produce a sulfur-clean feed from reformate gas generated from readily available transportation fuels containing sulfur. Sorbents of the invention can reduce the sulfur concentration in reformate gas to parts per billion on volume basis (ppbv) levels over a large range of temperatures. Sorbent materials of this invention comprise a nickel phase dispersed on a particulate support or a monolith support. The support can be a high surface area support with surface area of 100 m2/g or higher. The invention also provides systems for desulfurizing reformate gas and systems for providing a desulfurized gas to a fuel cell, particularly a solid oxide fuel cell.
US08308839B2
The present invention relates to provides novel fertilizer products from Kimberlite having utility as nutrients to supply silica, magnesium, trace elements with or without organic substances, and also having scope to design products with various combinations with other fertilizers and/or plant based nutrients with or without nano structure.
US08308829B1
A method for gasifying a carbonaceous material includes supplying a main slurry flow to a main cavity of a two-stage slurry splitter, dividing the main slurry flow into secondary slurry flows that flow into secondary cavities extending from the main cavity at distal ends of first stage flow dividers, dividing each secondary slurry flow into tertiary slurry flows that flow into slurry injection tubes extending from each secondary cavity at distal ends or second stage flow dividers, injecting the tertiary slurry flows into a gasification chamber coupled to the injector module, impinging annular shaped sprays of a reactant onto corresponding ones of the tertiary slurry flows within the gasification chamber using annular impinging orifices in a face plate of the injector module, and cooling the face plate to withstand high temperatures and abrasion.
US08308812B2
A prosthetic joint member includes: a generally concave cup with an outer surface that is bone-implantable, the cup including a first indexing feature; a concave insert disposed inside the cup, the insert comprising a rigid material and including a concave interior defining a nominal surface, the interior including a cantilevered flange defined by an undercut in the insert, the flange defining a wear-resistant first contact surface which protrudes inward relative to the nominal surface, the insert including a second indexing feature. The first and second indexing features engage each other so as to retain the insert in a fixed angular orientation relative to the cup.
US08308802B2
The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
US08308800B2
Intraocular lenses with high contrast haptics, materials and methods for making optical blanks and lenses, and methods of use are disclosed and claimed. Such lenses may provide easily recognizable visual cues that may be used to detect and correct misorientation of lenses prior to and during use.
US08308796B2
A method of implanting a prosthetic valve within the heart comprises translumenally advancing a prosthetic valve comprising an inflatable structure to a position proximate a native valve of the heart. A first chamber of the inflatable structure is inflated and then, independently, a second chamber of the inflatable structure is inflated.
US08308791B2
A stent graft introducer has a pusher, a nose cone, a region between the pusher and the nose cone for a stent graft, a sleeve extending over the pusher and proximally to the nose cone to cover the stent graft when retained in the region. An indwelling auxiliary catheter with a pre-curved proximal end is fitted into the introducer. The nose cone has an elongate groove and the auxiliary catheter has its proximal end in the elongate groove. In a partially retracted position of the sleeve the curved proximal end of the indwelling auxiliary catheter is exposed and uncovered by the sleeve and in an advanced position of the sleeve the curved proximal end of the indwelling auxiliary catheter is straightened, extends along the length of the groove in the nose cone and is covered by the sleeve.
US08308779B2
A stem-like bone fixation device allows for bony in-growth on its surface and across fracture fragments or between bones that are to be fused.
US08308777B2
Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.
US08308766B2
An endoscopic treatment instrument is provided which includes: a flexible sheath; a wire disposed inside the sheath so as to advance and retreat; a restriction member which restricts a movement of the wire in the sheath to a proximal side; an operating portion connected to a proximal end of the sheath; a wire operating portion which is connected to a proximal end of the wire and disposed to advance and retreat relative to the operating portion; a resilient member which has a first end and a second end and of which the first end is connected to the wire operating portion to expand and contract between the second end; a movable member which is connected to the second end so as to be movable relative to the operating portion; and a control member which is disposed in the movable member and which switches the movable member between a movable state and a fixed state relative to the operating portion.
US08308764B2
A method of arranging a surgical needle in an applicator. The needle is made of a hyper-elastic alloy which, after treatment, has two distinct states and includes a crimping zone for securing a suture to the needle, a free end having a tapered point which includes an inclined heel portion arranged on an inside portion of a curved profile. The method includes forcing the needle into a roughly elongated position when the needle is housed in an internal bore of the applicator. When the needle is not housed in an internal bore of the applicator, the needle adopts a curved profile as a result of superelasticity or hyper-elasticity of the needle.
US08308762B2
A medical closure device (1; 20) comprising an inner member (2; 23), which is adapted to be positioned against an inner surface of a tissue wall, and a retaining member (3; 13; 21), which is attached to the inner member, wherein the retaining member is in the form of a loop made up by multiple coils of at least one filament, the coils lying side-by-side one another such that when increasing tension is applied in the loop, at least one of the at least one filament breaks apart before side-by-side portions of the at least one filament slide readily with respect to one another.
US08308755B2
A retractor for use in laparoscopic procedures includes an upper retractor ring, a lower retractor ring, and a retractor sheath extending between the upper retractor ring and the lower retractor ring to form a tubular passageway through which instruments or a medical practitioner's hands may pass during a medical procedure. The retractor sheath includes an elliptical passageway extending between lower retractor ring and the upper retractor ring.
US08308754B2
The embolic protection device (10) has an expandable tubular structure supporting a filter mesh material (12). The embolic protection device is compressed to a small diameter for insertion into a patient's aorta, then expanded within the aorta with the filter mesh material positioned to allow blood to enter sidebranch vessels connected to the aorta and to prevent embolic material from entering the sidebranch vessels. The filter mesh material may be configured with waves or undulations (26) for increased surface area and/or with two layers of mesh material to provide additional protection against embolization and to prevent inadvertent occlusion of the sidebranch vessels.
US08308753B2
A locking component for locking a medical device onto a guide wire. Such medical devices include, for example, an embolic filter assembly used to capture embolic material that may be created and released into a patient's vasculature during a stenting or angioplasty procedure. The embolic filter assembly tracks along the guide wire, and is delivered to a treatment site where it is locked in place and deployed. The locking component enables the filter assembly to lock onto any standard guide wire, and does not require a modified guide wire that has a specially-designed fitting or stop to accomplish the locking function.
US08308748B2
Disclosed herein are embodiments of lancing devices for use with a lancet having a lancet body and a sharp tip covered by a removable cap. One lancing device comprises a housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a drawer received within the housing at the first end and movable between an open position and a closed position, the drawer having a drawer face and a drawer body, the drawer body configured to receive the lancet, and a decapping arm disposed within the housing and connected to the housing via a pivot at the second end of the housing, the decapping arm movable about the pivot between a storage position and a decapping position.
US08308742B2
A device for elastic ligature of tissues has a first and a second element, one of which exhibits a support portion for at least a rubber ring. The elements are slidably coupled to one another such that a reciprocal sliding between the elements determines a release of a rubber ring from the support portion. A trigger is manually maneuverable by an operator and acts on the second element for realising a reciprocal sliding between the elements. A connecting portion is connected to the trigger and to the second element and is elastically deformable in order to enable a reciprocal change of orientation between the trigger and the second element.
US08308741B2
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for automatically inserting a needle into an insertion-target region of a living subject in response to a machine-vision system locating the insertion-target region. In an embodiment, a needle insertion system includes a moveable needle configured to be inserted into a living subject, a machine-vision system configured to locate an insertion-target region of the living subject, control electrical circuitry, and an actuator coupled to the control electrical circuitry. The control electrical circuitry may be coupled to the machine-vision system to receive location information therefrom about the insertion-target region, and configured to output needle targeting instructions. The actuator may be coupled to the control electrical circuitry to receive the needle targeting instructions therefrom and coupled to the moveable needle. The actuator may be configured to move the moveable needle to the insertion-target region automatically in response to receiving the needle targeting instructions from the control electrical circuitry.
US08308740B2
A stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing the position of a needle when penetrating the skin of a patient, the apparatus has a frame structure with a base for placement against the skin in the vicinity of an intended needle entry point. A flexible diaphragm is supported by the frame structure and is spaced apart from the base of the frame structure to be disposed at a position away from the skin. The flexible diaphragm is configured to releasably grip the shaft of the needle at a distance from the needle entry point.
US08308731B2
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture is provided. The device comprises an injector housing having a chamber for containing a first and a second bone cement component and a second housing having a chamber for containing a flexible wire mixing element. A plunger actuates within the chamber of the second housing to transfer the wire mixing element to the injector housing for mixing the first and second bone cement components to form the bone cement mixture. The plunger rotates the wire mixing element to mix the bone cement mixture. Thereafter, the wire mixing element is withdrawn from the injector housing and the injector housing is assembled with an injector handle. A plunger coupled to the injector handle advances through the injector chamber to dispense the bone cement mixture from the device.
US08308726B2
A system to minimize fluid turbulence inside a tissue cavity during endoscopic procedures. A body tissue cavity of a subject is distended by continuous flow irrigation using a solenoid operated pump on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by the outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss into the subject's body system during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.
US08308725B2
The invention relates to a device and related method for sealing and/or dissecting body tissue using a reverse action instrument. The devices and methods described permit laparoscopic or natural body orifice access to an anatomical space and facilitate sealing portions of tissue together, dissecting tissue or combinations thereof. A surgical instrument for sealing and dissecting body tissue is described having distal and proximal ends with an elongated body. The body includes a jaw member positioned at the distal end that is defined by a stationary arm and a pivotable arm. A moveable closure sleeve is disposed at least partially about the body and the closure sleeve is configured such that coaxial movement of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the body causes the jaw member to open or close.
US08308724B2
An electrosurgical instrument, system, and methods are provided for the vaporization, cutting, coagulation, or treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid medium. The electrosurgical probe comprises at least one active electrode, and at least one “floating” electrode having at least one end in close proximity to at least one active electrode. The floating electrode is not connected in any way to the electrosurgical power supply, but rather has a “floating” potential determined by the shape and position of the electrode. The floating electrode increases current density in the region of the probe distal end.
US08308717B2
An apparatus and method, for selective thermal treatment of tissue, below the surface, while avoiding injury to the superficial layers of the tissue. The apparatus comprises a reflective beam conversion system for providing a pre-selected therapeutic dose of light energy of optimal spectrum and optimal pulse duration to a confined target volumes at predetermined depth under the tissue surface, while reducing the thermal exposure of the surface of the tissue, and the overlying and surrounding tissues. The method is advantageous for treating a variety of medical and dermatological conditions in a safer and more effective manner.
US08308712B2
A medical catheter including a composite laminated shaft having a segment that is mechanically deformed to have reduced stiffness.
US08308710B2
A high-flow low-pressure irrigation system for directing a fluid to and recovering the fluid from an area within a body, the irrigation system comprising a sheath defining a sheath lumen and a flexible catheter disposed in and through the sheath lumen. The catheter defines a catheter lumen and comprises a plurality of apertures at a distal portion that curls in a pigtail configuration. The fluid is directed and outputted to the body area through the catheter lumen and the apertures, and the outputted fluid is recovered and returned through the sheath lumen.
US08308707B2
Methods and systems are provided for delivering drug to the eye. The method and system may include implanting into the eye a device which comprises two or more discrete reservoirs, each reservoir containing a drug; and directing focused light to the implanted device to open a first one of the reservoirs and thereby permit the drug to diffuse from the first reservoir to the patient's eye.
US08308706B2
In a disposable diaper, a ventral-side outer sheet and a back-side outer sheet are separated at a crotch portion, the back-side outer sheet has a main unit section that corresponds to joined sections in an up-down direction and a back-side extension section that extends below the back-side main unit section, the ventral-side outer sheet is composed of only a ventral-side main unit section that corresponds to the joined sections in the up-down direction, the back-side extension section has a central portion in the width direction overlapping the absorber and hip cover portions extending on both sides of the central portion in the back-side main unit section.
US08308704B2
Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.
US08308702B2
A foaming porous pad suitable for coupling to a hand-held device and for application to human skin includes a porous pad substrate and a foaming composition disposed on the porous pad substrate. The porous pad substrate includes a nonwoven pile fabric having a nonwoven backing layer and a pile comprising individual fibers extending from the backing layer. The nonwoven pile fabric has fibers having a denier of less than about 9. Other aspects of the disclosure include a kit including a foaming porous pad and a motorized handheld device, methods of making the foaming porous pad, and methods of using the foaming porous pad.
US08308700B2
A novel system for an iris of the human eye includes drying the tissue surface, applying colorant to the dried surface, and then drying the applied colorant. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be coatings or stains. Blown gas is controllably infused to maintain a constant pressure in the anterior chamber, and the blown gas is turned on and off by opening a path to the outside of the eye and closing such path, respectively.
US08308699B2
Substrates, optionally coated with an undercoating, having grafted thereto one or more non-fouling materials are described herein. The non-fouling, polymeric material can be grafted to a variety of functionalized substrate materials, particularly polymeric substrates and/or polymeric undercoatings immobilized on a substrate. The compositions described herein are highly resistant protein absorption, particularly in complex media and retain a high degree of non-fouling activity over long periods of time. The compositions described herein may also demonstrate antimicrobial and/or anti-thrombogenic activity. The non-fouling material can be grafted to a functionalized substrate, or optionally from an undercoating on the substrate, preferably without significantly affecting the mechanical and/or physical properties of the substrate material.
US08308697B2
An autoinjector comprising an outer housing in which is mounted a syringe comprising a barrel for holding a volume of medicament, a needle at one end of the barrel and a plunger axially-moveable in the barrel, the autoinjector further comprising an inner housing intermediate the outer housing and the syringe and an energy source in communication with said inner housing, wherein the inner housing is moveable by the energy source between three positions, namely a first position in which the inner housing is in communication with the barrel such that, in use, the plunger and barrel are moveable axially so as to move at least part of said needle out of the outer housing; a second position in which the inner housing is in communication with the plunger but not the barrel such that, in use, said plunger is moveable axially into said barrel so as to expel medicament through the needle; and a third position in which the inner housing is in communication with neither the plunger nor the barrel such that, in use, the plunger and barrel are able to retract in order to retract the needle into the outer housing, characterized in that the plunger includes biasing means for axially biasing the barrel, before activation of the energy source, to a position forward of the part of the inner housing which acts on the barrel in said first position.
US08308694B1
A needle tip protective device for use with percutaneous entry needles. In one embodiment, the needle tip protective device includes a needle guard slidably mounted on a hypodermic needle, the latter having a needle tip located at the distal end thereof, and a change of profile formed medially there along. The needle guard is movable along the hypodermic needle and engageable with the change in profile formed thereon. The engagement with the change in profile is configured to correspond with the ability of the needle trap to entrap the needle tip once the needle trap has advanced the sufficient distance distally along the hypodermic needle. In further refinements, the needle trap may be biased toward the distal needle tip of the needle.
US08308692B2
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an introducer for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel of a patient is provided. The introducer comprises a housing having a proximal opening, a distal opening and a chamber extending therebetween. A seal in diaphragm form is disposed in the chamber. The seal is formed of polymeric material having a first phase transition temperature higher than about body temperature and a second phase transition temperature that is less than the first phase transition temperature but is greater than about room temperature. The seal is in a first configuration and has an opening formed therethrough when at about room temperature for advancing the medical device through the seal. The seal self-configures to a second configuration when at a temperature of at least the second phase transition temperature for obstructing the body fluid from flowing through the opening of the seal.
US08308671B2
A knee orthosis device provides medial, lateral, and rotational control of a knee joint. The novel knee orthosis device stabilizes an injured or surgically repaired, or a weakened knee joint having a neurological disability, which causes instability therein, by applying adjustable corrective and therapeutic forces, which operate to stabilize and protect the knee as well as to correct abnormal gait and to rehabilitate the knee joint and surrounding muscles above and below the knee by encouraging and recruiting said muscles to operate again more normally through the use of a dynamic swing assist mechanism. The knee orthosis also provides dynamically conformable thigh and shin cuff circumferential band systems in combination with a multitude of other elements that conform to the constant dimensional changes of the muscle groups that are surrounded by the knee orthosis device during ambulatory or athletic motion.
US08308663B2
A device for determining the aperture angle of a joint includes a detection device for detecting positions of joint components and/or positions of structures connected to or to be connected to the joint and a computational unit for ascertaining the aperture angle of the joint based on the detected positions.
US08308654B2
This invention describes a method for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. Different aspects of the invention relate to a method for optimal differentiating between cardiac beat- and artifact-induced pressure waves, a method for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals, a method for obtaining signals predicting pressures inside a body or body cavity from pressure signals outside said body or body cavity. In particular, this invention describes devices for sensing continuous pressures signals and displaying otput of processing according to the inventive methods.
US08308648B2
A blood pressure measurement bladder (50) has a predetermined amount of air introduced and sealed therein. A CPU (30) measures in advance the P-V property. The blood pressure measurement bladder (50) is wrapped around a measurement site. By exerting pressure from the outer side to the blood pressure measurement bladder (50), the internal pressure in the blood pressure measurement bladder (50) is increased to exert pressure on the blood vessel. During this process, the cuff pressure in the blood pressure measurement bladder (50) generated by volumetric change of the blood vessel by changing the pressure exerted from the outer side to the blood pressure measurement bladder (50), and the pressure pulse wave data are detected. By adding the cuff compliance property obtained by the P-V property that was measured in advance to the detected data as a correction value of the pressure pulse wave, blood pressure is calculated.
US08308644B2
An apparatus and methods to quantify the volume of urine in a human bladder with a limited number of acoustic beams is disclosed. In a first version the apparatus is composed of a transducers assembly that transmits a plurality of narrow ultrasound beams in different directions towards the bladder and receives the returning ultrasound signals; a receiver detector for processing the returned signals; an analog-to-digital converter; a memory to store the digitized data and a volume display allowing to define the optimal position of the transducer assembly. The apparatus also includes a signal processing software that automatically determines the bladder Depth D and Height H and computes the volume of urine using an empirical formula corrected by specific, empirically measured, filling dependant correction factors. In a second version a single wide angle ultrasound beam transducer transmitting ultrasound signals at fundamental frequency is used to quantify the urine volume. Return signals originating from a depth beyond the usual position of the posterior wall depth of a filled bladder are analyzed for presence of higher harmonic signals which in turn are related to presence or absence of urine. Both methods or a combination thereof can be used us a simple warning device for presence of residual urine after voiding or indicate the presence of a critical bladder urine filling level.
US08308637B2
An endoscope includes light emitting devices arranged in the distal end portion of its insertion unit, and at least one elongated heat-radiating member. One end of the radiating member is arranged in the vicinity of the light emitting devices and the other end is arranged in a predetermined position adjacent to the proximal end of the insertion unit. In observation using the endoscope, a decrease in the amount of illumination rays or the occurrence of image noise can be prevented, the decrease and the noise being caused due to heat generated by LED illumination lights arranged at the distal end of the insertion unit. Therefore, observation can be performed for a long time in good conditions.
US08308635B2
An endoscope system includes an endoscope with a bending portion installed on a distal side of an insertion portion; a bending drive unit which drives and bends the bending portion electrically; a map information storage unit which stores map information digitized by associating an amount of bending and a corresponding three-dimensional position and direction of a distal end of the insertion portion with each other, with a position near a rear end of the bending portion being designated as a reference position; a position and direction detecting unit which detects the position and direction of the distal end of the insertion portion; and a bending control unit which controls the bending drive unit to orient the distal end of the insertion portion into a target direction using the map information.
US08308629B2
A minimally invasive surgical instrument for placing an implantable article about a tubular tissue structure is disclosed. The surgical instrument is particularly useful for treating urological disorders such as incontinence. Surgical methods using the novel instrument are also described.
US08308628B2
Some embodiments provide a system for external manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles in vasculature using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the systems and methods relate to the control of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow.
US08308604B2
An omni-wheel based driving mechanism includes a spherical wheel, a pair of first omni wheels, and a pair of second omni wheels. The first omni wheels are arranged at two sides of the spherical wheel to space from each other by a predetermined distance in a first direction, so that the spherical wheel is rollably positioned between the first omni wheels. The second omni wheels are arranged at another two sides of the spherical wheel to space from each other by a predetermined distance in a second direction, so that the spherical wheel is rollably positioned between the second omni wheels. Therefore, a good driving efficiency can be obtained between the spherical wheel and the first omni wheels and the second omni wheels.
US08308602B2
A gear mounting has a spindle (11) extending substantially normal to a carrier (12) and capable of radial excursions from an initial position, when under load. The spindle and carrier have generally conical abutment surfaces (23, 24) normals to which extend substantially through the centroid of a projecting portion of the spindle, and in the initial position of the spindle there is a gap between the abutment surfaces.
US08308598B2
A controlled differential actuator particularly adapted for differential applications for motor vehicle powertrains. The differential operator incorporates an electromagnetically applied first or primary clutch coupled to a second multi-disc clutch pack through a ball ramp operator. Energization of the solenoid coil selectively applies the main clutch pack which is coupled to a differential carrier and one of the axle half shafts connected with the differential assembly. Modulation of current applied to the solenoid coil allows a selective frictional coupling between the differential axle half shafts which provides desirable traction features for the associated motor vehicle.
US08308590B2
A hub-pulley assembly comprising a hub adapted to be connected to a rotational member of a motor vehicle and having an axis, a pulley adapted to cooperate with a drive belt and driving means arranged between the hub and the pulley. The driving means comprise bidirectional disengagement means which allow a relative rotation between the hub and the pulley in both directions.
US08308589B2
A belt and chain drive for vehicles or for use in drive technology with an input shaft and an output shaft supported on a frame, the input shaft and the output shaft project out of the frame, with the following features: a) gear transmissions with gear wheels, which are embodied as belt and chain drives, are located between the input shaft and the output shaft, b) all of the gear wheels are constantly in rotation during operation, c) the gear transmissions located between the input shaft and the output shaft are embodied as belt and chain drives with toothed belts as traction mechanisms and with pulleys as gear wheels, d) the traction mechanism are reinforced with aramide, Kevlar, carbon fibers or other fibrous materials, is characterized in that e) the traction mechanism is pressed into a kidney-like shape onto the pulleys by at least one component during no-load rotation, and that under the effect of load this component does not touch the traction mechanism, and f) the kidney-like shape of the traction mechanism during no-load rotation is formed by a convex curvature of the driving side and by a concave curvature of the slack side, and g) the kidney-like shape of the traction mechanisms under load is formed by a straight shape of the driving side and by an intensified concave curvature of the slack side.
US08308586B2
The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover. The multi-layer core consists of a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The outer core layer is preferably thin relative to the center and the outer core layer. The multi-layer core includes at least one layer formed from a low modulus HNP composition and at least one layer formed from a high modulus HNP composition.
US08308578B2
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a powered children's swing. In various embodiments, the swing includes a seat, swing frame, one or more swing arms, a first magnetic component, second magnetic component, swing motion sensor, and swing control circuit. The magnetic components are configured to generate a magnetic force that drives the seat along a swing path. The swing control circuit is configured to control the magnetic components based at least on input from the swing motion sensor and generate control signals causing the seat to swing with a substantially constant amplitude as specified by a user.
US08308575B2
A gear mechanism with torque limiter includes a felt member 14 that is held between a first gear 13 and a second gear 15 coaxially arranged first gear 13 and second gear 15, for transmitting drive power between the gears, such that coupling of drive power between the gears is restricted by slippage of the felt member 14 when an excessive load is applied thereto, wherein multiple protrusions 19a are provided concentrically on the surface of one of the gears 13 (15) in contact with the felt member 14, and concentric grooves 20a corresponding to the protrusions are provided on the surface of the other gear (13) 15.
US08308574B2
Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter include one or more machine readable media including instructions which when executed by a machine cause the machine to perform operations comprising: loading, into a main memory of the machine, a wagering game software program configured to, upon execution, determine results for wagering games and to provide the results to remote wagering game terminals; executing the wagering game software program in the machine; deactivating the wagering game software program, wherein the deactivating includes, for each one of the wagering game terminals, determining that the one of the wagering game terminals has been idle for a specified time period; discontinuing determination of the results and provision of the results to the one of the wagering game terminals; and ceasing execution of the wagering game software.
US08308572B2
The Gaming System With End User Feedback enables a reverse path feedback architecture wherein the forward path multicasted gaming content transmitted by a gaming site can be dynamically modified as a result of end user interaction or feedback, wherein each end user has a private bidirectional link to the gaming site to enter their moves, optionally receive private data from the gaming site to enable the end user's device to display private data that is hidden from the other players, and to communicate privately with another member or members of a sub-group.
US08308571B2
A system and method for conducting a game with two or more participants that provides selections of the final two contestants for a particular contest. In the game, at least one winning participant is determined by comparing each participant's selections of the final two contestants to the actual final two contestants in the contest. Participants may also provide an indication of the first place contestant from among the selected final two contestants. Ties may be broken by comparing each participant's selection of a first place contestant to the actual first place contestant in the contest. Also described is a system for implementation of the method including means for carrying out the steps of the method. The method and system provide a fun, straightforward game that can be adapted to a wide variety of contests, be played by a large number of participants and be implemented over the World Wide Web.
US08308563B2
A first controller includes a first operation data generation section for generating first operation data in accordance with a motion of a first controller body included in the first controller. A second controller includes a second operation data generation section for generating second operation data in accordance with a direction input operation performed by a player. A game apparatus includes a game process means for obtaining the first operation data and the second operation data and subjecting a virtual game world to a predetermined game process in accordance with the obtained operation data, and a display process means for causing the display device to display, on a display area, an image of the virtual game world having been subjected to the game process.
US08308554B2
Some preferred implementations of the invention provide a kiosk that can read a cashless instrument, determine one or more corresponding items of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed and provide the corresponding item(s) of merchandise. The cashless instrument may be, for example, an ordinary “cash out” ticket, a ticket formed according to the invention, a player loyalty instrument, etc. Some implementations of the invention provide EGMs configured to issue cashless instruments that may be exchanged for various types of merchandise. The cashless instruments may be, for example, encoded tickets. Some implementations provide EGMs configured for encoding a prize code that indicates a corresponding item of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed. However, a cashless instrument may or may not indicate a prize code. If a cashless instrument includes a prize code, the prize code may or may not be indicated in human-readable form.
US08308530B2
A tool for removing material from a surface includes a body defining a longitudinal bore and an opening connecting an outer surface of the body to the longitudinal bore. A cutting element comprising a cutting surface is dimensioned to be at least partially received by the opening. The cutting surface is configured to translate from a first position to a second position in response to a centrifugal force. In the second position the cutting surface is extended outwardly through the opening, beyond the outer surface of the body. In one example, the tool may be used to remove material, such as oxidation, from the inner walls of a cylindrical article selected from a pipe and a tube.
US08308526B2
A mask for performing high speed media finishing on airfoils includes a thicker portion and a thinner portion. The thicker portion is spaced further from an edge that will become a leading edge in the final airfoil than the thinner portion. The media is redirected by the thicker portion toward the edge where the finishing is to occur.
US08308523B2
A swimming hoop with a buoyancy member and flexible frame. By increasing or decreasing the buoyant force provided to the flexible frame by the buoyancy member, the user is able to position the swimming hoop at a desired vertical distance within a body of water. To increase or decrease the buoyant force, a pump is used to increase or decrease the level of air within an air chamber. The buoyancy member is adjustably secured to the flexible frame. The flexible frame may be generally circular, square, or any other shape, and is flexible such that other shapes can be further obtained by twisting or manipulating the flexible frame.
US08308519B2
A method for producing a sealing region, into which an element is fused and which comprises a first sealing region section and a second sealing region section is provided. The method may include applying an encapsulation made of a material onto the element between the production of the first sealing region section and the production of the second sealing region section.
US08308518B1
A method for receiving dry natural gas, cryogenically cooling the gas, then forming liquefied natural gas is disclosed herein. The method can include flowing the liquefied natural gas to a moveable floating transport vessel. The method can include using mooring arms that maintain a nominal distance between the station and the vessel while simultaneously forming an enclosed gangway and monitoring offloading and return of hydrocarbon vapor. The method can include providing quick connect/disconnect engagements to the transport vessel and storing the liquefied natural gas on the transport vessel at a cryogenic temperature. The method can include recycling hydrocarbon vapor formed during offloading to the floating station and maintaining a cryogenic temperature using a flow rate substantially the same as the floating station uses fuel. The method can include releasing the transport vessel from the floating station to transport the liquefied natural gas to another location.
US08308514B1
A subscriber identity model (SIM) card holder for fixing and connecting a SIM card with a circuit board is disclosed. The SIM card holder comprises a tray, a terminal rack, and electrically conductive terminals. A bottom surface of the tray defines a first card slot. A bottom surface of the first card slot defines a second card slot. The second slot penetrates the first card slot as well as a top surface of the tray. When the SIM card is contained in the first card slot and/or a micro-SIM card is contained in the second card slot, metal contacting parts of the SIM card are positioned directly under metal contacting parts of the micro-SIM card. The SIM card holder of the present invention is capable of containing the SIM card and the micro-SIM card.
US08308511B2
An electrical connector comprises: a lower insulative housing with several terminal slots each comprising a sink communicating to exterior; an upper insulative housing assembled on the lower insulative housing to define a receiving room for receiving an audio plug, the upper insulative housing comprising several terminal slots corresponding to those of the lower insulative housing and an extension plate extending toward the sink of the lower insulative housing; a number of terminals each comprising a main body, a resilient arm and a solder tail extending from the main body, the main bodies of the terminals retained in cooperating terminal slots of the lower and upper insulative housing inwardly of the sinks of the lower insulative housing and the extension plates of the upper insulative housing; and a fastening member combining the upper and lower insulative housings as an integrating unit.
US08308508B2
A connector includes a first terminal housing for housing three first connecting terminals aligned, a second terminal housing for housing three second connecting terminals aligned, a plurality of insulating members that are aligned and housed in the second terminal housing, and a connecting member for collectively fixing and electrically connecting the three first connecting terminals and the three second connecting terminals at each contact point by pressing one of the plurality of insulating members adjacent to the connecting member. The three first connecting terminals and the three second connecting terminals are each arranged in a form of a triangle when viewed in the fitting direction.
US08308507B2
The present invention relates to a KVM cable with video connectors, PS/2 connectors and USB connector capable of connecting to a computer and a KVM device, the KVM cable comprises: a first video connector, a second video connector, a main cable, a first branch cable, a first PS/2 connector, a second branch cable, a second PS/2 connector, and at least one USB connector. In the KVM cable, the un-used pins, the ground pins and the un-connected pins of the video connector are utilized, and a detecting resistor and a diode device are disposed in the USB connector; so that, when the KVM cable is used, a user can selectively connect the PS/2 connector or the USB connector of the KVM cable to the computer, so as to control two or more computers through the KVM device.
US08308495B2
A card connector (100) comprises an insulative housing (1), a plurality of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (1) and an ejecting mechanism (4). The insulative housing (1) defines an interface (14) in front and a receiving space (10) extending backwardly from the interface (14). The ejecting mechanism (4) comprises a slider (41), a spring (42) sandwiched between the slider (41) and the insulative housing (1), and a pole (43) for controlling the slider (41). The slider (41) defines a heart-shape groove (414) and a heart-shape block (415) located in the heart-shape groove (414). The heart-shape groove (414) includes a first slot (4141). The heart-shape block (415) includes a mucro (4154) at a rear end thereof. The mucro (4154) and the first slot (4141) define an escaping space (4153) therebetween. When the pole (43) moves aslant, the escaping space (4153) will receive the pole (43) for avoiding the pole (43) colliding with the mucro (4153).
US08308489B2
Electrical garments and components for use in electrical garments are provided. A communication medium of various forms is integrated into a garment seam that is used to join two or more portions of a garment. The communication media can be used to provide electrical or other electromagnetic connection for coupling among a plurality of electrical devices associated with the garment. Accordingly, the electrical garment can be configured for a plurality of uses, applications and environments, depending on the electrical devices associated therewith. The electrical devices can be configured to be attached to or integrated with the garment in a releasable fashion or in a more permanent configuration. The electrical devices can be chosen for their desired functionality and interconnected with the communication media, which is at least partially integrated within the garment seams. Additional embodiments provide an electronic connector suitable for use with seams incorporating electronic wiring. The connector provides additional flexibility in constructing the electric garment as additional items may be incorporated into the electronic capabilities of the garment.
US08308487B2
A model human eye suitable for practicing surgical procedures, comprising a hemispherical-shaped bottom assembly having a bowl-shaped substrate disposed therein, a retinal layer disposed on the bowl-shaped substrate, and a hemispherical-shaped top portion attached to the bottom portion, the top portion comprising a visually transparent cornea portion and a visually opaque sclera portion, wherein the cornea portion and the sclera portion are integrally molded, wherein the cornea portion comprises a posterior corneal surface, wherein a distance from the posterior corneal surface to the retinal layer is an axial length. The model human eye is particularly suited for practicing A-scan ultrasound biometry and optical coherence biometry.
US08308479B2
Preconditioning mouth rinse, which pre-treats the teeth to better receive a whitening formula containing a photosensitive compound, and a hand-held consumer light source for tooth whitening, which provides rapid tooth whitening, are disclosed. The light source may use a specific range of visible light and also emit heat sufficient to raise the temperature of the teeth a desired amount at a depth up to about 2 mm in the range of about from 1-5° Celsius over a predetermined period of time. The specified wavelengths of the hand-held consumer operable light will activate the photosensitive substance in the whitening formula. The oxidizing compounds may be transparent to light enabling light energy to activate the oxidizing compounds directly on the tooth surface, or to activate a photosensitizing or photosensitive compound added to produce the desired temperature increase.
US08308460B2
A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll having a fixed wrap, and an orbiting scroll having an orbiting wrap engaged with the fixed wrap to define a first compression chamber between an inner surface of the fixed wrap and an outer surface of the orbiting wrap, and to define a second compression chamber between an inner surface of the orbiting wrap and an outer surface of the fixed wrap. A rotation shaft is provided with an eccentric portion at one end thereof to drive the orbiting scroll. A protruding portion protrudes inwardly from an inner end of the fixed wrap, and contacts the orbiting wrap. A distance between a center of the eccentric portion and a tangent line at a contact point between the protruding portion and the orbiting wrap at an end of the first compression chamber is smaller than a radius of the eccentric portion.
US08308455B2
An apparatus is provided and may include a compression mechanism, a valve plate including a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the compression mechanism, and a header disposed adjacent to the valve plate. A plurality of cylinders may be disposed within the header and a plurality of pistons may be respectively disposed in the plurality of cylinders and may be movable between a first position separated from the valve plate and a second position engaging the valve plate. A chamber may be disposed within each of the cylinders and may receive a pressurized fluid in a first mode to move the piston into the second position and may vent the pressurized fluid in a second mode to move the piston into the first position. One of the chambers may include a smaller volume than the other of the chambers.
US08308451B2
An example fan motor controller housing includes an inner fan housing, an outer fan housing including a base plate, plenums and air passages, stator vanes and a motor control housing. The inner fan housing, the outer fan housing, the stator vanes, and the motor control component housing are all made of a polymer. The fan motor controller housing also includes heat sinks attached to the plenums. The heat sinks are cooled by air flowing from air passages through the plenum. Motor controller components are attached to the heat sink and heat dissipates from the motor controller components to the heat sink.
US08308445B2
A fan assembly for creating an air current includes a bladeless fan assembly including a nozzle and a device for creating an air flow through the nozzle. The nozzle includes an interior passage and a mouth receiving the air flow from the interior passage. A Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow. The fan provides an arrangement producing an air current and a flow of cooling air created without requiring a bladed fan, that is, the air flow is created by a bladeless fan.
US08308442B2
There is provided an integrated electric compressor having a circuit configuration capable of decreasing the size thereof while restraining current ripples. In an inverter of the electric compressor, by providing a capacitor 13 and a reactor 14 between a power source and an inverter board 12, the ripples of a driving voltage is restrained, and a motor can be driven with high efficiency and the size of a housing can be decreased. Further, by connecting the capacitor 13 and the reactor 14 to a power board 16 by using a bus bar 23, the voltage ripple restraining effect is further increased, and the capacitor 13 and the reactor 14 are unitized integrally by the bus bar 23 to improve the assembling workability of the power board 16.
US08308436B2
An apparatus for positioning a gearbox in a wind energy plant, which gearbox is supported on a bearing structure of the wind energy plant by way of a torque support, wherein the torque support is mounted via at least one uncoupling element, which is arranged between torque support and bearing structure, wherein the torque support features at least one support body and an hydraulic apparatus with at least one hydraulic cylinder, by way of which the position of the support body is adjustable with respect to the bearing structure.
US08308426B2
A shaft assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a shaft, an annular fluid collection cavity, and a bearing. The shaft is rotatable around an axially extending shaft centerline. The annular fluid collection cavity is formed by an axial panel extending between a forward radial panel and an aft radial panel. The aft radial panel includes a plurality of fluid apertures, each fluid aperture having a center disposed at a first radius from the shaft centerline. The bearing includes an inner race having a shaft mounting surface and a plurality of axially extending race fluid passages. The shaft mounting surface is engaged with an exterior surface of the shaft, and is disposed at a second radius from the shaft centerline, wherein the second radius is less than the first radius. At least some of the axially extending race fluid passages are fluidly connected with at least some of the fluid apertures in the aft radial panel.
US08308411B2
A unitary void filling apparatus for use as a lengthwise void spacer which is capable of preventing movement of a load disposed on a pallet, protecting the load from end-to-end forces, and acting as a dust cover. The apparatus consists of a frame folded to make a central area, which fits on top of the load, and two vertical sides, which hangs over opposite ends of the load. Attached to each vertical side are covered void fillers, each adapted to substantially fill any lengthwise underhang and protect the load from end-to-end forces. The central area of the frame supports the vertical sides to which the void fillers are attached, thereby holding the void fillers in the proper position and also preventing dust from accumulating on the cargo.
US08308405B2
A cutter holder has a holder body and a sleeve. The holder body has a first end, a middle, an insert part and a mounting part. The insert part is formed on the first end. The mounting part is formed on the middle of the holder body and has an outer thread formed around the mounting part. The sleeve is mounted around the mounting part and has an inner thread, multiple screw holes and multiple setscrews. The inner thread is formed on an inner surface of the sleeve, is screwed with the outer thread of the mounting part. The screw holes are separately defined through the sleeve. The setscrews are mounted in the screw holes and abut the mounting part.
US08308402B2
A drill body for chip removing machining, including an envelope surface which is concentric with a center axis around which the drill body is rotatable, and transforms into a front end surface, and a front cutting edge adjacent to a chip flute which is countersunk in the envelope surface in the area in front of the cutting edge as viewed in the direction of rotation of the drill body and runs out into the front end surface. In the front part of the chip flute, a depression is formed, which includes two part surfaces extending at an obtuse angle (α) to each other, one of which forms a bottom surface in the depression, and the other of which faces the cutting edge and is in front of the cutting edge as viewed in the direction of rotation to form a stop face for a chip removed by the cutting edge.
US08308385B2
An atomizer having an auxiliary dispenser is provided. The atomizer is coupled to a container filled with a liquid. The auxiliary dispenser is designed according to a preferred dispensing manner of the liquid so that the liquid is more efficiently appropriately dispensed. The auxiliary dispenser includes a connecting member disposed on an atomizer body, and a dispensing unit having a coupling portion for coupling with the connecting member. The liquid is released from the connecting member. The dispensing unit receives and further dispenses the liquid.A manufacturing method of the atomizer is further provided. A second outlet is disposed on the atomizer body, and the connecting member is configured at the second outlet. A series of different dispensing units are manufactured according to the types and preferred dispensing manners of different liquids, and each dispensing unit includes a coupling portion for coupling to the connecting member.
US08308376B2
A plug connector (10) for mating with a receptacle connector (200) includes an insulative housing (1) having a base portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly beyond the base portion; a set of contacts (2) having contacting portions (211, 221) attached to the tongue portion for mating with the receptacle connector; and a metal shell (7) having a chamber (79) with the tongue portion extending therein, a plurality of openings (74) formed thereon for being locked in by a plurality of resilient fingers (2051) of the receptacle connector, and a set of embossments (76) located at front of the openings and protruding outwardly of the metal shell for interferentially engaging with the resilient fingers (2051).
US08308369B2
A roller bearing includes a stationary member, a rotary member and at least one row of rolling bodies arranged between the members so as to enable their relative rotation. The stationary member includes a circumferential surface that is resiliently deformable by the forces induced by the passage of the rolling bodies when the rotary member rotates. The surface has at least one instrumented area on which at least one gauge for measuring the deformations is attached. The instrumented area is circumferentially surrounded on each side by a non-instrumented area, and the rigidity of the instrumented area is strictly greater than the rigidity of the non-instrumented areas.
US08308360B1
A dental x-ray film preferably includes a dental x-ray casing adapted to be removably positioned within the patient mouth, an x-ray film contained within the dental x-ray casing, a protective cover removably positioned over the dental x-ray casing such that the dental x-ray casing and the x-ray film are completely contained within the protective cover. Such a protective cover is preferably formed from flexible fluid-impermeable material. A dry powder is preferably coated on a major surface area of an outer surface of at least one of the protective cover and the dental x-ray casing. Notably, the dry powder is fluid-soluble and includes an anesthetic agent and/or a flavoring agent capable of providing a numbing effect and a desirable taste when exposed to fluid, respectively, during the dental x-ray procedure.
US08308358B2
A circuit (1-2) for compensating for variations in the current gain β of a sensing transistor (Q1) having a collector coupled to a reference voltage (GND) includes a first current mirror (20) having an input coupled to a base of the sensing transistor. A second current mirror (21) has an input coupled to an output of the first current mirror. A current source (13) is coupled to provide emitter current for the sensing transistor. An output of the second current mirror circuit (21) feeds base current of the sensing transistor back to its emitter to cause the collector current of the sensing transistor to be precisely equal to the current (I1) provided by the current source.
US08308356B2
Protective enclosure and method for protecting heat sensitive, data recording devices in high temperature environments. The protective enclosure has a housing having at least one compartment for containing a heat sensitive, data recording device, e.g., a temperature recording device, and a jacket configured to contain a phase change material. The jacket may be vented and configured to at least partially surround the compartment. The housing may be sealed with an endcap. The recording device and a heat absorbing element are disposed within the same or within adjoining or adjacent sub-compartments within the enclosure. In a method, the enclosure with heat absorbing element and temperature recording device is placed within a heated environment or environment to be heated, e.g., a furnace. The recording device is connected to a thermal couple.
US08308346B2
The escapement comprises an escape wheel assembly (1), a balance roller (3) carrying an impulse pin (4) and a first impulse pallet (5). It further comprises a lever (8) provided with a second impulse pallet (11) and with first and second locking pallets (12, 13). The wheel assembly (1) comprises an escape wheel with teeth (6) that mesh directly with the teeth (20) of the last wheel of a gear train (2), the teeth (6) of the wheel (1) engaging with the impulse and locking pallets.
US08308345B2
A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second. The organs of the base movement and of the chronograph module are arranged in such a way that in assembled state, the height and overall diameter do not exceed 7.75 mm and 30 mm respectively, the dimensions of the chronograph itself being not greater than 4 mm (height) and 30 mm (diameter) when its elements are mounted on a bottom plate, so that the device can advantageously be integrated in the case of a wrist-watch and affords an aesthetic exterior.
US08308336B2
A multi-segmented light guide for keypad and display apparatus has been disclosed. The light guide film may comprise a plurality of light segments configured to transmit light independently. The boundaries of the light segments may be defined by a plurality of micro-optic structures. The micro-optic structures may have a height at least half the thickness of the light guide.
US08308334B2
A light emitting assembly comprises a plurality of light sources and a solid light emitting panel member having a light input edge and a transition area between the light sources and the light input edge. Light from the light sources enters the transition area and mixes within the transition area prior to entering the panel member. Refractive surfaces on the transition area redirect the light into the panel member. A film is maintained in spaced relation from the panel member by spacers at a perimeter of the film to form a hollow layer between the panel member and the film. Deformities on or in the panel member cause light to be extracted from the panel member and pass through the hollow layer and out through the film.
US08308330B2
An apparatus for optical examination of documents. The apparatus includes a light source, a plurality of panels which are exchangeable with each other, a viewing unit having a window formed by at least one of the plurality of exchangeable panels through which window light emitted from the light source exits for examination of documents by an observer. Further included is a coupling unit configured to supply the light emitted from the light source into the viewing unit. The light source and the viewing unit are coupled together by a light guide and the light guide is adapted to supply the light from the light source to the coupling unit. At least one of the plurality of exchangeable panels is a fluorescent panel including a fluorescent substance. The fluorescent panel is fluorescent in the yellow-red-infrared wavelength range when being illuminated with light in the ultraviolet-blue-green wavelength range.
US08308327B2
Provided is an apparatus and method for providing a fail-safe in a head lamp apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for providing a fail-safe in a head lamp apparatus includes an apparatus for providing a fail-safe in a head lamp apparatus includes an optical module generating a plurality of beam patterns using a predetermined shield, a shield driving unit driving the shield in the optical module, a module driving unit controlling an irradiation angle of the optical module in leftward and rightward directions, a leveling driving unit controlling the irradiation angle of the optical module in upward and downward directions, and a controller controlling the shield driving unit, the module driving unit, and the leveling driving unit, wherein when a fail occurs to one of the shield driving unit, the module driving unit, and the leveling driving unit, the controller controls at least one driving unit which is normally operating to adjust the beam pattern or the beam irradiation angle of the optical module.
US08308325B2
The present invention is intended to provide an image pickup device-equipped rear view mirror with improved image pickup performance, glare prevention and appearance (design) in addition to improved performance as a vehicle mirror. A mirror element is formed by forming a reflecting film consisting of high refractive index material films and a low refractive index material film on a back surface of a transparent glass substrate. The integrating sphere reflectance of the mirror element in the visible range is 40% to 60% and the near-infrared transmittance is no less than 70% for the whole or part of the band belonging to the near-infrared range within the entire sensitive wavelength range of the near-infrared camera. A black mask member is attached to an entire back surface of the reflecting film. The near-infrared camera is arranged behind the black mask member. The region corresponding to the area for the image-pickup by the near-infrared camera within the entire region of the black mask member is formed of a visible-light absorption and near-infrared transmission filter. The near-infrared transmittance of the visible-light absorption and near-infrared transmission filter is no less than 70% for the whole or part of the band belonging to the near-infrared range within the entire sensitive wavelength range of the near-infrared camera.
US08308310B2
In a rear-view mirror system with display device in which a display device is attached to a rear-view mirror device disposed in a car room, a display device includes a display housing having a display window disposed at the periphery of a rear-view mirror and disposed in contiguous with a mirror housing, a light reflection device faced to the display window and disposed in the display housing, and a emission display device faced to the light reflection device and disposed in the display housing, in which a relative arrangement for the display window, the light reflection device, and the emission display device is determined such that emission display information displayed by the emission display device and reflected on the light reflection device transmits the display window, whereby the system can use an emission display device of low luminance while sufficiently ensuring the rearward view by the rear-view mirror, and can obtain emission information at the display window while decreasing the feeling of distance relative to images reflected on the rear-view mirror.
US08308307B2
An illuminator includes: a first light source and a second light source that are disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to an illumination optical axis, wherein each of the first and second light sources includes an arc tube, a first reflector disposed to surround part of the entire space around the optical axis of the arc tube, the first reflector reflecting the light emitted from the arc tube toward an object to be illuminated, and a second reflector disposed on the opposite side of the optical axis of the arc tube to the first reflector, the second reflector reflecting the light emitted from the arc tube toward the first reflector.
US08308306B2
A light source unit includes a light emitting plate which has a plurality of segment areas and in which a luminescent material layer which emits light having a predetermined wavelength band by receiving excitation light and a transmissive portion which transmits light are formed on at least the plurality of segment areas, a primary light source for emitting excitation light on to the luminescent material, a secondary light source for emitting light having a wavelength band which differs from those of luminescent light emitted from the luminescent material layer and excitation light emitted from the primary light source, a light guiding optical system for guiding light emitted from the light emitting plate and light emitted from the secondary light source to the same optical path, and a light source control means for controlling the emission of light from the primary light source and the secondary light source.
US08308294B2
A method of calculating an optical system (OS) of an ophthalmic lens according to a given spectacle frame comprising the steps of: providing geometrical data of the spectacle frame, providing deformability data of the spectacle frame, providing wearer data, providing a surface curvature of a front face of the ophthalmic lens, and optimization of both the optical system (OS) and the edging parameter according to the list of the optimization criteria consisting of the geometrical and deformability data of the spectacle frame and the wearer data, so as to generate at least one optical surface different from the front surface of the lens.
US08308292B2
A soft contact lens for fitting to a cornea includes a lens main body made of a light permeable member. The lens main body has a diameter larger than that of a light-shielding portion which shields incident light incident to the cornea. The light-shielding portion includes a main body constituting a light-shielding member, an aperture that allows incident light to be transmitted, the aperture being positioned on a position of the main body of the light-shielding portion, and multiple holes that maintain a scotopic vision and a night vision, the holes being provided around the aperture in the main body of the light-shielding portion and each of the holes having a diameter smaller than that of the aperture.
US08308290B2
The present invention relates to a frame for holding a sheet of material. A frame arranged to removably locate a sheet of material in a vision area, the frame having binocular lenses focused away from the vision area. A benefit of the invention is that a user is provided with binocular lenses at the point of need. The user is thus saved from the embarrassment of having to admit to requiring reading glasses they had omitted to bring.
US08308289B2
A leaf spring hinge comprising a leaf spring member that is integrally formed with or fixedly connected to a lug or a temple is provided. The leaf spring member is provided at least with a leaf spring suspended and bent from a base. The leaf spring is bent in the form of an R-letter or U-letter. The leaf spring hinge has simple structure and reliable resilience, and is solid, durable and easy to manufacture.
US08308275B2
A liquid dispenser includes an array of liquid dispensing elements positioned on a substrate. Each liquid dispensing element includes a liquid dispensing channel positioned on the substrate. The liquid dispensing channel includes an outlet opening positioned on a wall opposite the substrate. A diverter member is associated with the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid return channel is positioned on the substrate in fluid communication with the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid supply channel is positioned on the substrate in fluid communication with the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid supply passage extends through the substrate in fluid communication with the liquid supply channel. A liquid return passage extends through the substrate in fluid communication with the liquid return channel. A liquid supply provides liquid that flows from each liquid supply channel through each liquid dispensing element to each liquid return channel. Each diverter member is selectively activated to divert a portion of the liquid flowing through the associated liquid dispensing channel through the outlet opening of the associated liquid dispensing channel to dispense a drop of the liquid.
US08308273B2
A pagewidth printhead assembly includes a plurality of printhead integrated circuits linked end to end across a width of the pagewidth printhead assembly; a support molding to which the plurality of printhead integrated circuits are sealed, the support molding defining a plurality of ink channels; a plurality of etched channels provided on an underside of each printhead integrated circuit, each etched channel defining along a length thereof a plurality of ink inlets for receiving ink from one of the plurality of ink channels; and a polymer sealing film for sealing the printhead integrated circuits to the support molding, the polymer sealing film defining therethrough a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of etched channels is divided into two or more separate channel sections separated by respective channel wall structures. Each opening of the polymer film is in fluid communication with ink inlets of two separate channel sections.
US08308268B2
When the width of a recording head is greater than the width of a recording medium having a maximum conveyable width, a recorded image corresponding to ejecting ports in the entire area of the recording head cannot be corrected. Multiple correction test patterns are recorded using ejecting ports in part of the recording head, and correction data for correcting an image corresponding to ejecting ports in the entire area of the recording head on the basis of the colorimetric result of the test patterns. In this way, image data to be recorded by the ejecting ports in the entire area of the recording head is corrected.
US08308265B2
An inkjet printing apparatus includes: an array of inkjet heads; a set of heating elements each in a corresponding one of the inkjet heads and each configured to heat ink; an ink circulation route configured to circulate ink through the inkjet heads; an inlet thermometer configured to measure, as first temperatures, ink temperatures of ink each flowing into a corresponding one of the inkjet heads; an outlet thermometer configured to measure, as second temperatures, ink temperatures of ink each flowing out of a corresponding one of the inkjet heads; a heating unit configured to heat ink being circulated; and a controller configured to work with a temperature difference between a first temperature and a second temperature for each same inkjet head to determine allocation of an available power for heating ink to the heating elements and the heating unit.
US08308264B2
A printing assembly includes a transport system configured to transport items on a transport path and a printer rotatably disposed on a support. The printer includes a plurality of printing elements disposed sequentially along the transport path. A method of calibrating the printing assembly includes aligning a first reference associated with the printer with a second reference associated with the support, transporting an item on the transport path, printing a pattern on the item using a first printing element and a second printing element, determining a correction value from the pattern, and rotating the printer relative to the support in an amount corresponding to the correction value to substantially align the printing elements with the transport path.
US08308261B2
An image recording apparatus, in which a line head is configured by arranging a plurality of nozzles, some of which are made to overlap, of short nozzle rows each having a jetting nozzle row arranged in one direction relative to a conveyance direction of a recording medium being conveyed by a conveyance mechanism and which forms records an image by jetting ink from the jetting nozzles onto the recording medium, comprises a conveyance information generating unit which generates conveyance information indicating a conveyance distance of the recording medium, a recording medium detecting unit which detects an edge of the recording medium being conveyed, and a controlling unit which performs a density correction of an image recorded by an overlapping portion of the short nozzle rows on the basis of a detection result of the recording medium detecting unit and the conveyance information obtained from the conveyance information generating unit.
US08308260B2
A liquid discharging apparatus includes: a pressure chamber communicated with a nozzle; an element which performs the operation of imparting a pressure change to liquid in the pressure chamber; and a pulse generation section which generates a preceding discharge pulse and a following discharge pulse that operate the element, and determines a period from the end of the generation of the preceding discharge pulse to the start of the generation of the following discharge pulse in accordance with the liquid droplet amount which is discharged from the nozzle.
US08308252B2
Streams of ink being returned by a circulation pump from a lower tank through an upstream flow path block to an upper tank have viscosities higher than viscosities of streams of ink being supplied from the upper tank through a downstream flow path block to an inkjet head, there being a difference in flow rate of ink developed with attendant differences in viscosity between the upstream flow path block and the downstream flow path block, while being reduced by differences between heating efficiencies in the upstream flow path block and heating efficiencies in the downstream flow path block.
US08308249B2
A convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels, as well as features and aspects thereof, provides for the alignment of the leading edge of a side panel with the leading edge of a main viewing panel regardless of whether the convertible food guard system is in a cafeteria mode or a buffet mode. Exemplary embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels comprise, generally, positionable or translatable side panel components. More particularly, exemplary embodiments employ sliding adjustable side panel systems that may be comprised of a single side panel component or a plurality of side panel components. Advantageously, the use of adjustable side panels with a convertible food guard system enables the side panels to align with the leading edge of the main viewing panel when the system is in a buffet mode and retract out of the consumer's way when the system is in a cafeteria mode.
US08308245B2
An amusement device seat includes a seat and a bar construction, moveable between an access position to a passenger fixation position, in which the passenger is fixed in the seat. The assembly further includes a locking device to lock the bar construction at the passenger fixation position. The locking device includes an engagement device to engage and disengage with the bar construction and a guide for the engagement device allowing the engagement device to assume an engagement position between the access position and the passenger fixation position, and allowing the engagement device and the engaged bar construction to move between the engagement position to the passenger fixation position. The locking device includes a fixation device for fixing the engagement device and the engaged bar construction at multiple passenger fixation positions along the guide to accommodate passengers of different sizes.
US08308242B2
A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor. The seat assembly also includes a seatback that is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for movement between an upright position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A linkage system is operatively coupled between the seatback, seat cushion, and the floor. The linkage system automatically moves the seat cushion downwards and forward and translates the seatback downward and rearward in response to movement of the seatback between the upright position and the folded position.
US08308241B2
An apparatus for sitting, including: a keystone assembly which connects various parts of the apparatus; a back that provides support for at least a person's back or shoulders; a floating lumbar support, which provides support for a person's lower back, attached to the keystone assembly; a seat that can adjust between a forward tilted and reclined position; a plurality of rollers, disposed on the keystone assembly, on which the seat rests; a central column, attached to the keystone assembly, on which the seat can spin; and a lower torsion spring connected to the seat and disposed on the keystone assembly allowing controlled movement of the seat.
US08308238B2
In a seatbelt device for a sub seat, a retractor to wind up a webbing is attached to a sub-seat back support member. A buckle to detachably hold a tongue provided at the webbing is provided on a side of the sub-seat cushion which is opposite to a disposition side of the main seat in a vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the seat device for a vehicle which can ensure the sufficient sitting rigidity of the sub seat and the proper support rigidity of the retractor can be provided.
US08308234B2
A seating structure, particularly a bicycle saddle, includes a load-bearing shell and a cover element for contact with a user. The shell includes a first base element made from a composite material composed of a synthetic polymeric matrix and a natural fiber-containing reinforcement. The shell may have one or more differential deformable portions. A process for making such a seating structure is also disclosed.
US08308231B2
A child safety seat having storage space includes a seating base whereon an engaging slot is formed, an armrest base, and a storage structure. The armrest base is disposed on a side of the seating base and is detachably coupled with the engaging slot. The storage structure is disposed on the armrest base. A first storage space is formed inside the storage structure.
US08308230B2
When a leg frame is assembled to a seat, the child chair is used as a high chair. When the leg frame is detached from the seat, the child chair may be served as a booster. Legs of the detached leg frame are further assembled with a footrest for storage purpose. The footrest has coupling slots that are formed by resilient arms to hold the detached legs. The footrest may also serve as a pedal for feet when the leg frame is assembled to the seat.
US08308211B2
Gripper for clamping plates, used in combination with a manipulator arm, and offset balancing module
A gripper is disclosed. The gripper has a frame which is connected to a mobile subassembly including a fixed end and a mobile end respectively secured to a fixed arm and a mobile arm, and an actuator supported on the fixed arm for moving the mobile arm and end relative to the fixed arm and end, along a first degree of freedom, in translation or rotation, and a balancing module introducing an additional degree of freedom, in translation or rotation, which is offset outwards of the assembly formed by the mobile subassembly and the frame.
US08308207B2
The invention relates to an energy absorption device which can be arranged to absorb energy by deformation between a support structure of a vehicle and a damper, the energy absorption device carrying a deformable main profile which has a hollow body-type cross-section. The aim of the invention is to improve an energy absorption device of the aforementioned type in such a manner that the energy can be well carried off even if the forces produced by an accident impact the energy absorption device at an angle. For this purpose, a deformable supplementary profile is provided on the cross-section of the main profile.
US08308204B2
An assembly for securing an openable aperture closure member (11) in closed position relative to an aperture defines by a main frame (12), the aperture closure member (11) including a mechanically rotational element (24, 44, 54) for securing said closure member (11) to the frame (12), the assembly for securing comprising a push and/or pull actuation assembly (35) for easing the securing and/or releasing process for the aperture closure member, the actuation assembly including a handle bar (26) and at least one connecting member (37) which operably connects the handle bar (36) to the mechanical element (24, 44, 54); wherein the push and/or pull actuation assembly (35) is adapted to be translationally movable by an operator and the connecting member (37) is adapted to convert translational movement of the actuation assembly (35) into rotational forcing movement of the mechanically rotational element (24, 44, 54).
US08308193B2
A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a subframe, a collar assembly with a collar member and a mounting pin, and a main frame with a saddle. The main frame has a contact side that faces toward the collar assembly and the saddle is located on the contact side. The subframe is connected to the main frame with a bolt that extends from the subframe and into a bore in the mounting pin. The mounting pin is in contact with the saddle.
US08308189B2
A knee airbag is provided to the lower part of a glove box door, and an airbag door provided to the glove box door opens in both upward and downward directions when the knee airbag expands. As the knee airbag expands, the rigidity of the lower part of the glove box door decreases, and this causes a relatively small reaction force, which corresponds to a relatively small load generated when the knees of an occupant having a relatively small body build make contact with the lower part, to be generated on the lower part of the glove box door. On the other hand, because the knee airbag is not provided to the upper part of the glove box door, the upper part can generate a relatively large reaction force which corresponds to a relatively large load generated when the knees of an occupant having a relatively large body build make contact with the upper part via the knee airbag.
US08308188B2
An airbag apparatus for a vehicle includes an airbag having a left airbag section and a right airbag section inflatable at left and right sides in a front area of an occupant, a retainer for retaining the airbag, and a first deployment-limiting sheet having one end coupled to the airbag or the retainer. The first deployment-limiting sheet at least partly overlaps the airbag and extends along the airbag from a rear portion to a front portion of the airbag. The first deployment-limiting sheet extends along the rear portion of the airbag during inflation thereof.
US08308187B2
An airbag comprises a right half airbag to be inflated on a front right side of an occupant, a left half airbag to be inflated on a front left side of the occupant, and a base-end chamber that communicates with base-end sides of the right half airbag and the left half airbag. The right half airbag and the left half airbag are stitched together by a seam. The interior of each of the bags and communicate with each other by upper part and lower part openings and. A vertically extended concave portion exists on a surface of the inflated airbag that faces the occupant. The concave portion is deepest in the intermediate part and shallow in the upper part and lower part.
US08308185B2
A pin-engaging drawbar and lock plate assembly is designed to mount and stabilize in the drawbar of a trailer hitch or alternative trailer and accessory hitch or receiver assembly. In one embodiment the pin-engaging drawbar and lock plate assembly includes a bolt extending into the drawbar, typically having the bolt head secured to a lock plate positioned beneath a locking pin extending transversely through the receiver and the drawbar. An angle brace is fixed to the lock plate and engages the locking pin, and the locking pin openings are typically vertically elliptical or elongated in the drawbar to facilitate rotating a nut on the extending threaded end of the bolt and forcing the angle brace against the locking pin, thus tightening the drawbar against the hitch receiver. In another embodiment the bolt extends through a slotted front stabilizing plate to the lock plate and rotating the nut forces the lock plate against the hitch receiver and the angle plate and further tightens and stabilizes the drawbar against the hitch receiver. A second stabilizing plate can be provided rearwardly of the angle brace for engaging the drawbar and the hitch receiver and further stabilizing the assembly inside the hitch receiver. The locking action in all embodiments substantially eliminates both vertical and horizontal slack or play between the drawbar and the hitch receiver.
US08308182B2
A trailer connection assist system includes a towing vehicle having a hitch receiver, a trailer having a trailer hitch, a system controller, a position sensor provided on the hitch receiver and the trailer hitch and communicating with the system controller, a vehicle motor of the towing vehicle interfacing with the system controller, vehicle wheels of the towing vehicle interfacing with the vehicle motor and a steering system connected to the system controller and the vehicle wheels and adapted to steer the vehicle wheels. The system controller is adapted to operate the vehicle motor and the steering system responsive to input from the position sensor. A method of aligning a hitch with a hitch receiver provided on a towing vehicle is also disclosed.
US08308169B2
A chucking fixture for a tool or a workpiece, comprising a chuck and a toolholder or workholder matching the chuck, wherein the chuck has posts having bearing surfaces for orienting the tool or workpiece in an X and Y direction and having end faces for establishing a plane perpendicular to the Z direction, wherein devices for measuring the distance between the chuck and the toolholder or workholder are formed in the bearing surfaces and in the end faces.
US08308160B2
A sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus are provided. The sheet conveying speed of a pair of conveying rollers which convey a sheet to a skew feeding correction device 55 and can be contacted and separated is set to be a speed in which the sheet obliquely conveyed by a pair of first oblique feed rollers is warped between the pair of first oblique feed rollers and the pair of conveying rollers. After the sheet is warped, a separation mechanism is controlled to separate the pair of conveying rollers.
US08308157B2
A conveying device includes a switching gate, a handle, and a link mechanism. The switching gate switches the direction in which a sheet of paper is conveyed along a conveying path. Normally, the weight of the switching gate keeps a front end portion of the gate engaging with a recess. A user grips the handle when he/she opens the conveying device from an apparatus. The user's grip on the handle makes the link mechanism disengage the gate portion from the recess. The link mechanism includes a protrusion protruding toward the apparatus and having a slope, which tapers off. When the conveying device closes into the apparatus, compressive contact of the protrusion slope with a wall of the apparatus disengages the gate portion from the recess.
US08308154B2
A control method for an image forming system capable of preventing reduction of the ability of the system even if a shift transportation function becomes an abnormal condition. An image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet. A first sheet process apparatus has a first moving unit receiving the sheet on which the image is formed and moving the sheet in a width direction. In a determination step, it is determined whether a second sheet process apparatus having a second moving unit moving the sheet in the width direction is connected to an upstream side of the first sheet process apparatus. In a detection step, it is detected an abnormal condition of the first moving unit. In a sheet movement step, the second moving unit moves the sheet in the width direction if an abnormal condition is detected and the second sheet process apparatus is connected.
US08308153B2
A transversal cutting equipment for sheets separable from overlapped continuous forms, wherein the forms are longitudinally divided from a basic continuous form for producing documents with a single sheet or more sheets, and wherein the documents and the respective sheets are printed according to a predetermined order. The equipment comprises a cutting device for joined separation of the sheets; an accumulating and forwarding device; transport paths; and differentiating means for modifying the transport times of the sheets along one or more transport paths. The cutting device operates in a continuous way, while the accumulating and forwarding device collects the sheet or sheets of a partially formed document and sends the sheet or sheets upon the completion of the document. The differentiating means modifies the transport times without interrupting the cutting device so that a cut sheet of a following document, is transferred to the accumulating and forwarding device for the formation of the following document, substantially after the forwarding of the preceding document.
US08308148B2
A plug-in hydraulic body to frame mounting assembly is mounted to a conventional elastomeric body mount device to increase the control of vibration from the operation of the automotive frame to the automotive component supported thereon. The connecting member of the hydraulic mounting assembly threads onto the end of the fastener passing through the conventional elastomeric body mount device and anchors the outer can to a bridging can connected to the underside of the frame offrigger bracket to provide a true plug-n-go vibration control enhancement that can be added to any desired body mount location. The deflection of the fastener during operation of the elastomeric body mount device drives the operation of the hydraulic mounting assembly to dampen the deflection of the fastener in the elastomeric body mount corresponding to the transfer of operational loads between the body component and the offrigger bracket to which the body component is mounted.
US08308144B2
The present invention provides a diaphragm carburetor wherein heat transferred from the engine to the carburetor through the insulator is reduced to lower the temperature of the carburetor unit and reduce the occurrence of bubbles in the fuel. The carburetor of the present invention is a diaphragm carburetor in which a fuel channel that extends from a pump chamber of the carburetor to a constant-pressure fuel chamber is divided into two branches to form one branch as a main fuel channel connected to the constant-pressure fuel chamber, and the other branch as a fuel circulation channel for passing the fuel through the body side surface of the carburetor on the insulator side, or the body side surface of the insulator on the carburetor side, causing the fuel to make a circuit around the carburetor, and returning the fuel to the fuel tank.
US08308142B1
A system and method of lifting a cargo container into flight using a plurality of aircraft. A swivel bearing is provided that has a first end and a second end. The two ends of the swivel bearing are free to rotate independently. A cargo container is provided that is streamlined for flight. The second end of the swivel bearing is attached to the cargo container. Aircraft in flight are used to lift the container. The aircraft have tow tether lines. The tow tether lines are attached to the first end of the swivel bearing. The aircraft fly in an ascending circular pattern, therein applying lift to the cargo container that is sufficient to raise the cargo container into flight. The cargo container is streamlined and contains flight controls to enable the cargo container to maintain level and controlled flight while it is being towed.
US08308131B2
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a ball valve including a body and a ball disposed within the body. The ball valve also includes a stem disposed within an opening in the ball. The stem is removable by passage through the opening into a bore of the ball.
US08308118B2
An item holder mountable by suction on a mounting surface including a deformable body having outer and inner surfaces and a periphery extending around the body. The holder further includes an appendage extending from the periphery and includes a connector attached to the appendage for connecting the appendage to the holder to form a loop for holding an item. The body is deformable from an undeformed shape to an actuated shape to mount the holder on the mounting surface by positioning the inner surface adjacent the mounting surface when the body is in its undeformed shape thereby forming a cavity between the body and the mounting surface and deforming the body to its actuated shape thereby sealing the body against the mounting surface and forcing fluid from the cavity to create a suction between the body and the mounting surface thereby securing them together.
US08308117B2
Drywall mounting systems for accessories are shown and described. In one example, a system includes an accessory adapter plate, a fixation plate, a drywall fastener, and a second fastener. The drywall fastener is used to secure the accessory adapter plate to the drywall. The fixation plate is then secured to the accessory adapter plate with the second fastener, which, inter alia, prevents the rotation of the accessory adapter plate. Accessories can then be quickly and securely attached to the accessory adapter plate.
US08308113B2
A panel positioning mechanism includes a supporting component, and a slot is formed on a side of the supporting component. The panel positioning mechanism further includes a loading component disposed on a side of the supporting component, a rotational spring set connected to the supporting component and the loading component, a fixing component set for fixing the supporting component, the loading component, and the rotational spring set, a contacting component connected to the loading component and disposed inside the slot in a slidable manner so as to constrain rotation of the loading component within a first range, and a releasing component passing through the loading component and fixed on the contacting component for driving a contacting portion of the contacting component to separate from the slot on the supporting component, so that the loading component can rotate outside the first range.
US08308088B2
A pulveriser mill having a rotatable grinding ring and a rotatable port ring around the circumference of the grinding ring co-rotatable therewith, the port ring defining around its 360 degree extent a plurality of openings separated by lands, the openings permitting air to flow from beneath the grinding ring to above the grinding ring, and the lands serving as obstructions to the flow of air from beneath the grinding ring to above the grinding ring, wherein the aspect ratio of the openings is in the range from 1:1 to 3:1.
US08308087B2
The present invention provides an injection nozzle for mixing an initiator with a process fluid. Then injection nozzle comprises a body comprising an inlet port, and outlet port, and an injector inlet; a process fluid flow passage; an initiator flow fluid passage; and a stylus. The process fluid flow passage comprises a constricting portion and an expanding portion to help improve transport and mixing. The injection nozzle is useful for injecting a fluid into another fluid at elevated temperatures and pressures, and for maximizing mixing of the fluids.
US08308082B2
A fog or mist generating nozzle assembly produces a swirling fog pattern having a forward thrust component that permits an operator, stationed safely at a remote location relative to a fire source, to exercise directional control and positioning of a relatively large mist cloud on or about the fire source. The discharge nozzle includes a cylindrical bearing member and a cylindrical rotor member with multiple water discharge orifices that extend at a forward projection angle α relative to the nozzle axis. A pair of fog producing nozzles are configured with counter-rotating rotors, producing counter-rotating clouds that merge along a common vortex. This generates a composite mist cloud having a magnified forward thrust component, enabling remote directional control of the mist cloud.
US08308077B1
A system and method for monitoring soil and water resources is disclosed herein. Sensors capable of monitoring soil temperature, moisture and salinity are utilized with other sensors capable of monitoring such values as air temperature in order to provide real-time parameters to users/operators of land area.
US08308073B2
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is disclosed as including an integrated circuit and at least one antenna connected with the integrated circuit, wherein the antenna is formed of an at least partly metalized thread.
US08308072B2
A non-contact IC tag includes an insulating substrate, an IC tag having an IC chip and a matching-circuit equipped dipole antenna connected with the IC chip, and a first and second parasitic antenna both provided at the other side of the insulating substrate. The matching-circuit equipped dipole antenna has two antenna sections, a connecting terminal section and a matching circuit section. Projection images of the first and second parasitic antennae onto the one side of the insulating substrate respectively overlap at least portions of the two antenna sections of the matching-circuit equipped dipole antenna. The first and second parasitic antennae are made electrically conductive by a connected portion, and the projection images of the first and second parasitic antennae, and the connected portion onto the one side of the insulating substrate do not overlap the IC chip and the connecting terminal section of the matching-circuit equipped dipole antenna.
US08308066B2
The invention concerns a method of making a thin film and/or particle having a grey scale code embedded in its physical structure by refractive index changes between different regions of the thin film or particle, as well as thin films and particles made by the method. In a preferred method for encoding a thin film, a semiconductor or insulator substrate is etched to form a thin film including pores. The etching conditions are controlled to vary porosity in the thin film according to a pattern that will generate an optical signature in the reflectivity spectrum in response to illumination such that the optical signature will including a grey scale code. The etching waveform is formed by the addition of at least two separate sine components in accordance with the following equations (1)An=(Anmax−Anmin)/2; (2) kn=frequency=1/period; (3) yn=An[sin(knt−Φ)+1]+Anmin (4) ycomp=[y1+ . . . +yn]/n wherein equation (1) defines the amplitude of sine component n, which results in the spectral peak height, or grey scale of a bit; Equation (2) defines the frequency of the each sine component, which results in the spectral position of a peak, or identification of a bit (1st bit, 2nd bit, etc. . . );. Equation (3) defines sine component n and Equation (4) defines the composite waveform used to drive the electrochemical etch. The film can be removed and diced into particles.
US08308063B2
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture or arrangement that can limit access to sensitive information by means of encryption. In particular, data obtained from a payment instrument at, e.g., a Point-Of-Sale (POS) location can be encrypted at an early stage such that a POS (or another) application does not have access to the data in an unencrypted form and/or does not have access to a means for decrypting the data. For example, a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) arrangement can be employed such that a back-end payment processor can define encryption algorithms, associate itself with a public key, and maintain a private key for decryption. The public key can be delivered to the POS location and employed for data encryption, and, moreover, the PKI can be regulated by the more trusted parties.
US08308056B2
The method of the present invention allows obtaining location associated information (3) through the use of a telecommunications device (2) and a two-dimensional code (1) in which the information is stored. The information obtained relates to the geographical position of the two-dimensional code (1), i.e., the location (3), as well as to additional data such as a description thereof, a contact telephone number or its opening hours. The information may be presented according to the language preferences of the user, the two-dimensional code (1) having at least three languages, and it being possible to access a repository with a great number of alternatives or to also translate the content if the repository does not contain the translation in any of the selected languages. The translation will be obtained by accessing the repository with a unique key which includes data relating to the geographical position of the location (3).
US08308049B2
A bonding method of applying vibrations to a metal unit including copper while pressing the metal unit onto a bonding object to bond the metal unit to the bonding object is provided. The method includes: applying vibrations to the metal unit and bringing the metal unit into contact with the bonding object while applying the vibrations; gradually increasing a pressing load of the metal unit on the bonding object to a first pressing load; and reducing the pressing load to a second pressing load smaller than the first pressing load and gradually increasing an output power of the vibrations from a first output power to a second output power after the pressing load reaches the first pressing load, the first output power being applied during the first pressing load.
US08308040B2
A surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a cutting member configured to incise tissue positioned captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil and, in addition, means for stopping the cutting member prior to a distal end datum, wherein the distal end datum can be defined by the distal-most staple cavity in the staple cartridge. In such embodiments, the incision within the tissue may not extend beyond the portion of the tissue that has been stapled.
US08308026B2
An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a storing device, a holding device, a retaining device, and an ejection device that enables pick up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides an improved method of picking up, holding and storing objects that heretofore required extreme dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects including, but not limited to, crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as replacement parts.
US08308024B2
A parts feeder includes a feed device or tray for putting a pile of parts on. The feed device imparts vibration to the pile of parts to feed them. An ion generating device is disposed above the feed device for providing ions to the parts. An airflow passage is formed in the feed device for sucking in air to introduce ions within the pile of parts.
US08308023B2
A product dispensing system including a container having multiple walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including a pre-formed flex line, and a dispenser including a frame having a front end and a rear end, the frame including a stop positioned proximate the rear end and a support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, and an opening tool positioned to open the container as the container is moved along the support deck into engagement with the stop, wherein the engagement between the stop and the container effects a flexing of the container along the pre-formed flex line.
US08308020B2
A containment assembly may be used with a shipping container and may include: a cargo net having a pair of sleeves; and, a pair of tethering members that are received within the sleeves and that have ends that extends out from the sleeves. The ends of the tethering members may be attachable to multiple attachment surfaces on the shipping container to change the orientation of the cargo net with respect to the shipping container.
US08308014B2
A fuel cap of an internal combustion device includes a fuel cap body, a restraining element, a resilient element, and a positioning element. The slide block of the restraining element is normally resiliently pressed by the resilient element and therefore protrudes from the outer periphery of the main body portion of the fuel cap body. The fuel cap body can be inserted into a fuel tank when the engaging blocks of the fuel cap body are aligned with the gaps of the fuel tank, and the fuel cap body is subsequently secured when the slide block is engaged in a positioning notch formed on the outer projecting wall of the fuel tank. By pushing the pushing plate of the restraining element inward, the slide block is retracted into the slide groove of the fuel cap body to allow removal of the fuel cap body from the fuel tank opening.
US08308010B2
A molded plastic container/closure combination providing a tamper evident feature, a child resistant feature and a removal facilitation feature. The closure has radially extending bayonets extending from the outer skirt which fit into horizontal slots in a beam molded integrally with the sidewall of the container. Rotation of the closure in one direction brings the bayonets into the slots for locking purposes. Rotation in the opposite direction unlocks the closure and continued rotation lifts the closure relative to the container to facilitate removal. A resiliently mounted release tab must be depressed before unlocking rotation is permitted. A latch prevents depression of the release tab until anchors on the sides of the latch are fractured. Serrations acting between the tab and the bayonets provide an audible indication of rotation.
US08308007B2
A one-piece plastic hot-fill container may employ a shoulder portion, a base portion and a sidewall portion, which may be integrally formed with and extend from the shoulder portion to the base portion. The container may further employ a plurality of contour ribs molded into the sidewall portion—each of the plurality of contour ribs operable to change from a first shape to a second shape in response to cooling of the liquid and further extending outwardly from the container.
US08307999B2
A device is provided for presenting eyeglasses, comprising a base body and comprising a plurality of accommodating devices carried by the base body and serving for accommodating a respective pair of eyeglasses in secured fashion, wherein each accommodating device comprises at least one supporting part for placing the eyeglasses thereon and a securing part for securing the mounted eyeglasses against removal, and wherein the securing parts can be brought jointly from a locking position, which secures the eyeglasses, into a removal position, which releases the eyeglasses.
US08307998B2
A greeting card display includes an upper tier and a lower tier positioned below the upper tier. The upper and lower tiers include multiple rows of pockets for displaying greeting cards. Some of the pockets of the upper tier and the bottom tier, typically the pockets in each of the bottom rows, present greeting cards in a full-facing manner to display all or substantially all of the full face of each greeting card. The upper tier can include a card highlighter, positioned along one of the rows, configured with pockets to present and highlight cards placed therein. Shadowboxes capable of displaying a greeting card in a full-facing manner can be positioned above the upper tier on the display and are designed to attract the attention of the consumer. A display panel, designed to evoke emotions associated with greeting cards in the shadowboxes, can be positioned between one or more of the shadowboxes.
US08307996B2
A cable management frame assembly comprising a collapsible frame chassis and a plurality of positionally configurable cable management fixtures that can be affixed to the frame chassis without the use of tools or additional hardware such screws, nuts or bolts. A panel mount allows patch panels and equipment to be mounted to the frame chassis without the use of tools or additional hardware.
US08307995B2
Described herein is technology for, among other things, a theft deterrent apparatus for cooperation with an elongate member attached to and extending outwardly from a forward-facing side of an article display panel. The apparatus includes a housing defining an internal chamber. The housing includes a first aperture passing through the housing into the internal chamber for receiving the elongate member, a second aperture for receiving a magnetic key, and a locking member that has a magnetic portion and is movably disposed within the internal chamber. The locking member is adapted to selectively: maintain the apparatus in locked and unlocked configurations in which the locking member respectively prevents or permits the elongate member from being at least partially withdrawn from the first aperture. Whether the locking member maintains the apparatus in the locked or unlocked configuration depends on whether or not the magnetic key is inserted into the second aperture.
US08307991B2
This invention provides a hollow fiber membrane module which can reduce pressure loss in discharging water within a module and can reduce operating power. A hollow fiber membrane bundle is disposed within a cylindrical case having in its side face an opening part for the inflow/outflow of water, and the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is bonded at an axially outer position with respect to the opening for the inflow/outflow of water. A distribution holes is provided axially inward of the opening for the inflow/outflow of water and so as to surround the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and grooves and/or corrugated protrusions are provided on the inner face of the distribution cylinder so as to be in communication with each other among the distribution holes.
US08307988B2
An apparatus for separating components and a method of separating components using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a main chamber which contains a sample that is separated into a plurality of layers by a centrifugal force; a component separating chamber which is connected to the main chamber, and receives a specific layer including specific components among the plurality of layers; a first channel which connects the component separating chamber to the main chamber; and a first channel valve which is disposed in the first channel to control a liquid flowing through the first channel.
US08307976B2
There is described a roller drive and a roller transport device equipped with the roller drive. The roller drive comprises an electric machine and ends, wherein at least one end has a heat-conducting end contact face. The contact face is intended for coming into heat-conducting contact with a side cheek of the roller transport device. This allows the cooling to be improved. Furthermore, the roller drive can also be designed in such a way that it has a device for accommodating electrical components, wherein the device is intended as a torque support for the electric machine. A regulating device and/or a communication device can also be integrated into the device.
US08307975B2
In one embodiment, a system includes a posimetric pump guide configured to mount in a port of a posimetric pump. The posimetric pump guide includes a first flow splitter defining first and second distribution channels into first and second passages in the posimetric pump. The first flow splitter includes a first pair of shroud walls spaced apart about a first disc opening. The posimetric pump guide also includes an abutment extending crosswise to the first flow splitter.
US08307965B2
The vibration damper with an adjustable damping force includes a cylinder filled with a damping medium, a piston rod axially movable in the cylinder and carrying a piston which divides the cylinder into a first working space on the piston rod side and a second working space on the side away from the piston rod, a first adjustable damping valve which is connected to at least one of the two working spaces by means of a fluid connection, at least one second valve which is connected hydraulically in parallel to the first adjustable damping valve, and a third damping valve arranged in series to and upstream from both the first and second valves, the third damping valve moving in a closing direction as a function of a flow velocity of the damping medium through the third damping valve.
US08307964B2
Shock absorber provided with a piston having a number of constantly open connecting channels which connect the two sides of the piston, and having a number of connecting channels to be opened and closed by element of a valve. The valve includes a plate valve which under the influence of flow therethrough, i.e. the pressure difference over the piston, on the outward movement of the shock absorber can be closed to a greater or lesser extent. On the inward movement, unimpeded flow of fluid through the piston can occur. A flow-through path is bounded by the corresponding connecting channels and the valve together with the upper side of the piston. In the rest position there is a flow-through possibility for fluid when the shock absorber fixings move away from each other, and when the shock absorber fixings move away from each other more quickly the flow-through cross section gradually decreases until the valve closes completely.
US08307957B2
A disk brake for a vehicle having a bracket which is fixed with respect to the vehicle and on which brake linings and at least one brake caliper are mounted so as to be movable in an axial direction is disclosed. The bracket and the brake caliper engage around at least one brake disk, and the brake caliper includes a housing limb with at least one actuating device, a further housing limb with at least one housing finger, and a housing bridge. A spring arrangement which generates an elastic preload between the brake caliper and the bracket is provided in such a way that the preload is aligned substantially perpendicular to a movement direction of the brake caliper. The spring arrangement comprises a spring element and a protective panel.
US08307954B2
There is provided a caliper brake attachment tool which comprises: a supporting rod; a fixed part provided to one end side of the supporting rod capable of fixing an existing caliper brake; an applying part provided to the other end side of the supporting rod and applicable to a seat tube of the bicycle; and an engaging recess provided between the fixed part and the applying part in the supporting rod engageable with a bridge to connect a right-and-left pair of seat stays of the bicycle.
US08307953B2
Elevator cabin position detection system comprising an activation device mounted on an elevator car, a sensor stripe mounted on a sidewall of an elevator shaft and control electronics. The activation device, preferably a light emitting device, activates a portion of the sensor stripe which comprises a feed line, a resistor line and sensors positioned between these. The sensors, preferably optical sensors, when activated by the activation device, conduct electricity to create electrical connection between the feed line and resistor line and thus modify the resulting resistance between an end (A) of the resistor line and an end (B) of the feed line. The control electronics determines the exact position of the elevator cabin based on the resulting resistance between the end (A) of the resistor line and the end (B) of the feed line.
US08307952B2
An elevator system (20) includes multiple elevator cars (22, 32) within a hoistway (26). Counterweights (24, 34) are associated with the respective elevator cars (22, 32) by load bearing members (40, 50). In some examples, different roping ratios are used for the load bearing members (40, 50). In some examples, the lengths of the load bearing members (40, 50) are selected to allow contact between the counterweights (24, 34) within the hoistway (26) and prevent contact between the elevator cars (22, 32). The difference in car and counterweight separation distances is greater than a stroke of a counterweight buffer plus an expected dynamic jump of the elevator cars. A disclosed example includes passages (80) through a portion of at least one of the elevator cars (22) for accommodating the load bearing member (50) of another elevator car (32) located beneath the elevator car (22) with the passages (80).
US08307923B2
A mobile platform including a body, hybrid leg-wheels and driving mechanisms is provided. The hybrid leg-wheels are disposed around the body for carrying the body moving on a working surface. The driving mechanisms are disposed between the corresponding hybrid leg-wheels and the body. Each driving mechanism includes a driving axle connecting the corresponding hybrid leg-wheels and the body. Each driving mechanism provides the corresponding hybrid leg-wheel a rotational degree of freedom and a translational degree of freedom, wherein the rotational degree of freedom and the translational degree of freedom are driven independently. The rotational degree of freedom allows the hybrid leg-wheels rotating along an axis of the driving axle, and the translational degree of freedom allows the hybrid leg-wheels translating relative to the driving axle, wherein the rotational direction is substantially perpendicular to the translational direction.
US08307917B2
An apparatus for moving tubing through a borehole is disclosed. The apparatus includes a surface injector assembly and a downhole injector assembly with a driving mechanism to move the tubing through the borehole, an anchoring system for securing the downhole injector assembly downhole to a cased portion of a borehole wall and connections for receiving a power supply form the surface. A method of moving tubing through a borehole is also disclosed. The method involves attaching a downhole injector assembly to a cased portion of a borehole wall sufficiently downhole such that the downhole injector assembly can supply weight to a drilling assembly, and injecting tubing through the borehole using the downhole injector assembly.
US08307913B2
A method to control borehole fluid flow includes detecting a drilling condition and operating at least one valve in the drill string to place an exterior of the drill string in fluid communication with an interior of the drill string in response to detecting the drilling condition.
US08307906B2
Apparatus and method for converting a fire suppression system from a single interlock electric or double interlock electro-pneumatic system to a single interlock pneumatic system which draws no electrical power. A pneumatic actuator is in fluid communication with a pressurized piping network and a control valve controlling flow of fire suppressant to the network. The pneumatic actuator is isolated from the piping network by a check valve and a latching solenoid valve. In the event of a power failure the latching solenoid valve is opened, placing the pneumatic actuator in fluid communication with the piping network. Electrical power is drawn only to change the state of the latching solenoid valve, it otherwise draws no power. When the latching solenoid valve is open the pneumatic actuator controls actuation of the control valve, and triggers the control valve when there is a pressure change in the piping network indicative of a fire.
US08307905B2
The present invention relates to an activating mechanism (200) for guiding and controlling a downhole tool (100) and/or subsea equipment employed in connection with recovery of hydrocarbons. The activating mechanism (200) comprises an annular sleeve (21) provided with non-through-going recesses (22, 24) in the material of the annular sleeve (21), where separate replaceable elements are provided in the recesses (22, 24) to act as a pump (P), piston (S1), reservoirs (R1, R2), movable slide (S2) and pistons (25a, 25b), where these elements create a closed fluid circuit which on being subjected to a number of cyclical loads will open up a connection between the pistons (25a, 25b). A method for controlling the activating mechanism (200) is also presented.
US08307903B2
The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for subsea well intervention operations, including retrieval of a wellhead from a subsea well. In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a subsea well is provided. The method comprising the step of positioning a tool proximate a subsea wellhead. The tool has at least one grip member and the tool is attached to a downhole assembly. The method also comprising the step of clamping the tool to the subsea wellhead by moving the at least one grip member into engagement with a profile on the subsea wellhead. The method further comprising the step of applying an upward force to the tool thereby enhancing the grip between the grip member and the profile on the subsea wellhead. Additionally, the method comprising the step of performing the operation in the subsea well by utilizing the downhole assembly. In another aspect, an apparatus for use in a subsea well is provided. In a further aspect, a method of cutting a casing string in a subsea well is provided.
US08307900B2
The disclosure, in on aspect, provides a method for performing a laser operation in a wellbore that includes displacing a wellbore fluid with a laser-compatible medium proximate a location in the wellbore where a work is desired to be performed; positioning a laser head proximate the laser-compatible medium; and passing a laser beam via the laser-compatible medium to the location for performing the laser operation. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a laser apparatus for performing a laser operation at a worksite having a fluid that includes a laser power unit that supplies laser energy to a laser head placed proximate the worksite; a fluid displacement unit that displaces at least a portion of the fluid adjacent the worksite with a laser-compatible medium; and a controller that operates the laser head to pass the laser beam to the worksite through the laser-compatible medium. In another aspect, the disclosure provides an imager associated with the laser apparatus that provides images of the worksite.
US08307895B2
A method and apparatus for imaging objects present in a wellbore is provided. The method and apparatus use a plurality of actuatable members which can be axially displaced to form an image of the object and use an actuatable member displacement sensor to detect the displacement of the actuatable members.
US08307886B2
A heat exchanging device includes first and second disk members coupled together to form a disk unit having a chamber. The first disk member has an inlet and the second disk member has an outlet. A medium directing member is disposed within the disk unit. A first end of the medium directing member has a first channel formed at an angle to direct heat exchange media flowing in from the inlet to the chamber, and a second end of the medium directing member has a second channel formed at an angle to direct the heat exchange media out of the chamber through the outlet. A plurality of disk units are coupled together in a row. Multiple rows of the heat exchanging devices may be disposed between manifolds.
US08307884B2
A die casting machine provided with an electric servomotor and a hydraulic cylinder as drive sources for injection is enhanced in operation stability in an injection step. In the injection step, the rotational speed of an injection electric servomotor (3) is pattern-controlled to follow a preset speed command pattern while the forward speed of a piston (5a) caused by driving of an injection hydraulic cylinder (5) is feedback-controlled with an addition signal of the forward speed of the piston (5a) caused by driving of the injection electric servomotor (3) and the forward speed of the piston (5a) caused by driving of the injection hydraulic cylinder (5). Alternatively, the forward speed of the piston (5a) caused by driving of the injection hydraulic cylinder (5) may be pattern-controlled to follow a preset speed command pattern while the rotational speed of the injection electric servomotor (3) is feedback-controlled with the addition signal.
US08307876B2
A rectangular one-piece garage door has rigid horizontal upper and lower rails and rigid vertical first and second side rails. A small door is mounted in the garage door. A track assembly has horizontal first and second upper tracks. The track assembly has vertical first and second lower tracks. An arcuate first intermediate track couples the first upper track and the first lower track. An arcuate second intermediate track couples the second upper track and the second lower track. First and second upper hinged brackets are secured to the garage door adjacent to the upper rail. First and second lower brackets are secured to the garage door adjacent to the lower rail. Rollers are each coupled to one of the brackets and rotatably received within one of the tracks for guiding the movement of the garage door between a closed lower orientation and an open raised orientation.
US08307865B1
A collar is positionable around a trunk of a palm tree. The upper section has an annular track and a slot. Each drive wheel has a motor and a bracket with a lower end that supports a drive wheel. The upper end of each bracket is coupled to the collar with a spring. A saw is positioned above the collar. A saw motor is provided. A radial positioning assembly includes a plurality of arms that couple the saw, the collar and motors to vary the position of the saw. A circumferential positioning assembly includes a trolley. The trolley has wheels and a motor to move the trolley along the track. The lower end of the lower arm extends upwardly through the slot and is coupled to the trolley. A controller has switches to control the motor. Further in this manner the positioning and activating of the saw is controlled.
US08307863B2
Recovery of dehydrogenation product must be done separately from supply of hydrogen fuel. However, there is a problem that it takes much time when dehydrogenation product recovery and fuel filling are done separately. A fuel filling/waste solution recovery apparatus includes measuring means to measure a volume of supplied fuel and a volume of recovered waste solution by measuring flow rates of solutions passing through a fuel filling nozzle and a recovery nozzle or piping, and a display which shows the volume of supplied fuel and the volume of recovered waste solution which are measured by the measuring means.
US08307862B2
The bag opening assembly (8) of an automatic bag loader includes a pair of contra-rotating air-pervious endless belts (9, 10). Opposing pinch portions (24, 25) of the belts are provided for grasping opposing sides (5a, 5b) of the hag (1) therebetween and working flights of each belt are opposingly orientated and diverge from the pinch portions. A partial vacuum is drawn in a space (41, 42) adjacent each working flight (38, 39), formed in a shoe (36, 37) which supports the thereby separate the sides to open the bag while it is advanced between the diverging working flights. At least on of the rotary members (26, 27) is displaceable and an actuator (40) is connected thereto to press the pinch portions together to grasp the sides of the unopened bag and to separate the pinch portions to release the opened bag.
US08307852B2
A pinion valve body and a vehicle pinion valve assembly with the valve body are disclosed. The pinion valve body has a lower sleeve integrally formed by a sintering process along with upper splines to block an oil leakage and thus there are no needs any more for the conventional separate lower sleeve as well as the associated machining of sleeve fitting areas on the valve body and the process of press-fitting such sleeve all together, thereby effectively reducing the general manufacturing steps and their cost.
US08307850B2
An air intake device for an engine is provided that includes a bypass (20) connected to an air intake path (2) while bypassing a throttle valve (5), and a bypass valve (V) for controlling the degree of opening of the bypass (20), the bypass valve (V) being formed from a tubular valve chamber (15) having its interior opening on the upstream side of the bypass (20) and having an inner face with a metering hole (16) opening toward the downstream side of the bypass (20), and a valve body (25) slidably but non-rotatably fitted into the valve chamber (15) and opening and closing the metering hole (16), wherein an inner face (A) of the valve chamber (15) on which the metering hole (16) opens and an outer face (B1) of the valve body (25) opposing the inner face (A) and covering the metering hole (16) are formed in the same shape so as to enable them to be in intimate contact with each other, and other inner (A) and outer faces (B2) of the valve chamber (15) and the valve body (25) are formed so that there is a gap (g) therebetween. This enables the valve body to be reliably in intimate contact with the inner side face of the valve chamber on which the metering hole opens while guaranteeing smooth sliding of the valve body in the valve chamber in the bypass, thus preventing leaked air from flowing into the metering hole.
US08307849B2
A rotary coupler for directing a fluid between a fluid supply and fixtures rotatable about a fixture axis and which has a manifold plate directing the fluid from a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet to the fixtures positioned about the fixture axis, the coupler including a spindle having a base portion and a shaft portion and the shaft portion defines a coupler axis and has a shaft surface generally coaxial to the coupler axis and the shaft surface includes an annular pressure zone and an axially spaced annular tank zone, the spindle also includes an internal pressurized fluid passage and an internal tank fluid passage wherein the pressurized passage extends within the spindle the coupler further includes a hub with a shaft opening shaped to receive the shaft portion, the manifold having control valves for selective actuation of the fixturing.
US08307847B2
A fast opening pressure relief valve (200) for providing pressure relief for a vessel. The valve (200) has an ejector (216) and a sleeve structure (210) in which the ejector (216) moves longitudinally. The ejector (216) is constructed of material that will expand outward slightly upon pressurization, increasing friction between staging glands (202) provided on the sleeve structure (210) and buckling glands (206) provided on the ejector (216). Also, as pressure on the ejector (216) increases, the buckling rings (206) deform slightly to release their grip on the staging glands (202) and move past them. Once the buckling rings (206) move past the staging glands (202), the pressurized ejector (216) quickly moves to its open position, i.e. opening within 2 and 3 milliseconds, thereby releasing the pressure on the vessel. The valve (200) can be reset by returning the ejector to its closed position.
US08307845B2
A flow rate controller detects a clogged state of an orifice to prevent errors during flow rate measurement. The flow rate controller includes a differential pressure flow meter, with an orifice disposed between a pair of pressure sensors, that converts a pressure difference detected by the two pressure sensors into a flow rate, a flow-rate adjusting valve whose degree of opening is controlled such that the difference between a measured flow rate value and a preset flow rate value falls within a predetermined range, and a control unit that controls the degree of opening of the flow-rate adjusting valve upon receiving the pressure values detected by the pressure sensors. The control unit compares the preset flow rate value and the measured flow rate value and determines that there is a clog fault when a flow rate difference, as compared with a predetermined value, continues for a predetermined time period.
US08307841B2
A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a diaphragm. The support member and diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of the diaphragm under a bias in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.
US08307839B2
A cleaning appliance is provided for cleaning washware, which cleaning appliance is designed to subject the washware to the action of at least one cleaning fluid in at least one cleaning chamber. The cleaning appliance has a suction-removal apparatus for removing damp air from the cleaning chamber by suction, and at least one heat recovery device. The heat recovery device is designed to draw heat from the damp air and to feed it back to the cleaning appliance by means of a first cooling fluid. The cleaning appliance has a cooling-fluid line with at least one recirculation path and at least one heat accumulator path with at least one latent heat accumulator. The cleaning appliance is designed to conduct the first cooling fluid to the cleaning chamber and/or into a fluid tank via the recirculation path in at least one operating state after said cooling fluid has flowed through the heat recovery device. The cleaning appliance is also designed to feed the first cooling fluid to the latent heat accumulator by means of the heat accumulator path in at least one standby mode.
US08307836B2
The present invention generally is an adjustable applicator employed for application of a cosmetic or a care product such as for application of mascara, coloring strands of hair, for dental flossing or for applying pharmaceuticals or cleaning agents. The invention discloses an adjustable applicator comprising an applicator element having a bore, a filament wherein the filament is housed inside the bore of the applicator element and a clasping means wherein the applicator element angularly deforms when a force is applied on the clasping means. Also disclosed is a device for packaging and dispensing a substance comprising said adjustable applicator.
US08307834B1
The cigarette case smoking cessation device only allows lid opening and therefore cigarette access at times set by the adjustable timer. The device thereby allows a smoker to predetermine cigarette access in designing a period for weaning off of cigarettes, of just reducing smoking itself. The device provides automatic unlocking at the set intervals, thereby allowing lid opening. The device provides both audio and vibratory alert of cigarette access. The device provides a gasket between case and lid so that cigarettes stay fresh. The charge port is an important feature in assuring battery charge and therefore long-life operation between charges. The thin walled device is compact and only slightly larger than a cigarette pack itself.
US08307832B2
A method for changing a property of an eye uses a continuously multifocal profile that includes a component for increasing a focal depth. The method includes calculating the component for increasing the focal depth to be rotation-symmetrical. Alternatively, or in addition, the calculating is carried out so as to optimize an encircled energy criterion over an extended range of depth.
US08307828B2
A pneumatic single-lumen medical gas conserver combines the advantages of typical single-lumen and dual-lumen conservers. In particular, a pneumatic single-lumen conserver can provide a rapid response to patient inhalations without the need for a more expensive dual-lumen cannula hose. In addition, after delivering oxygen the conserver has a specific pneumatically-implemented delay period before being able to detect the next inhalation to inhibit “double pulse” deliveries. In addition to a conserving or pulse flow mode, the conserver can provide a user-selectable gas flow at a continuous or constant flow mode.
US08307822B2
A solar energy device includes a first prism with a dichroic surface and a reflective surface opposite the dichroic surface. A first solar cell is positioned to receive light rays passing through the dichroic surface. A second solar cell positioned to receive light rays from the reflective surface.
US08307821B2
A continuous moving bed solar steam generation and storage system is provided to generate steam for production processes after loss or reduction of received solar energy. The system includes a receiver 10 that receives a flowing stream of particulate material 30 that absorbs solar radiant energy 15 as it passes through beams of the energy 15 received from collectors 14. The heated stream of material 30 passes into a first chamber 40 to heat a tube bundle 42 therein. Heat from the particulate material 30 is transferred to the bundle 42, evaporating the water to generate, reheat (RH) and/or superheat (SH) steam 46. The cooled material 30 passes to a second chamber 60. The material 30 is drained from the second chamber 60 and carried to a cyclone 80 in the receiver 10. The material 30 drains from the cyclone 80 to complete the flow cycle.
US08307811B2
A fuel pump unit is mounted on a predetermined position in a fuel tank. There are a supporting mechanism to support the fuel pump unit at the mounting position and a holding mechanism to fixing and holding the fuel pump unit supported at the mounting position, and an opening portion through which the fuel pump unit is inserted into the fuel tank is closed by a cover member being a separate body from the supporting mechanism and the holding mechanism.
US08307795B2
In an internal combustion engine valve drive train switching device, at least one safety device is provided for preventing an unscheduled switching of a valve train switching unit.
US08307793B2
An internal combustion engine comprises at least two intake valves per cylinder, each of them provided with respective spring return means which push the valve towards a closed position. The intake valves of each cylinder are controlled by a single cam of an engine camshaft, through a single tappet actuated by said cam and through a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system comprises a master cylinder having a piston positively connected to said tappet and two hydraulic actuators respectively associated to the two intake valves and which are both hydraulically connected to a common pressure chamber of said master cylinder. The return spring means associated to the intake valves of one and the same engine cylinder have predetermined loadS and/or rigidities which are different from each other, in such a way that said intake valves have different lift profiles, so as to cause a swirl motion of the air fed into the engine cylinder, which allows to improve the air-fuel mixing.
US08307776B2
A position-identifying bookmark for identifying a reader's position on a page comprises at least one string, and first and second sheets. The first sheet has first and second planar sides, re-adherable adhesive on at least a portion of one of the first and second planar sides, and an aperture passing through the first sheet for connecting to the at least one string. The second sheet has first and second planar sides, re-adherable adhesive on at least a portion of one of the first and second planar sides, and an aperture passing through the second sheet for connecting to the at least one string.
US08307772B2
A sewing machine including a presser foot that presses a workpiece, a presser bar that has a lower end allowing detachable attachment of the presser foot; a presser bar vertically moving mechanism that moves the presser bar up and down; a presser bar driver that drives the presser bar vertically moving mechanism; a needle plate that has an upper surface for placing the workpiece; a projecting element that is detachably attached to the presser bar and that is driven up and down with the presser bar as the presser bar is driven up and down by the presser bar driver through the presser bar vertically moving mechanism to form embosses on the workpiece by downwardly pressing the workpiece; and a receiving section that is provided on the upper surface of the needle plate that opposes the projecting element to receive a tip of the projecting element.
US08307770B2
In apparatus and method for waste treatment by pyrolysis, treated waste is flushed through a grid (18) to trap recyclable material in the pyrolysis chamber (24). Pyrolysis is carried out at a temperature of from 400-700° C. and off-gases are dissolved in a solution in scrubber (13) for disposal in a water course. Water is introduced into the chamber as superheated steam via pipes (5) so as both to flush away treated material and clean the chamber. Recyclable waste is separated from non-recyclable by treating non-recyclable waste by pyrolysis, and flushing treated non-recyclable waste away through liquid exhaust (8). Apparatus is made as a modular, free-standing unit and comprises plugs for connection to an electricity supply, to a water supply, and to a sewerage system (16) and has a chamber with a volume in the range 0.01-0.5 m3.
US08307768B2
A bullet for a firearm includes a rear unit that comprises substantially a solid structure. Additionally, the bullet includes a front unit separate and discrete from the rear unit. The front unit defines a cavity and at least a portion of the rear unit is secured in the cavity of the front unit.
US08307765B2
The present invention relates to a process and equipment (1) for creating prints on non-woven-fabric and, particularly, relates to a process and to equipment (1) which allows the creation of color prints on non-woven fabrics at high speed while at the same time maintaining optimal print quality on wet or dry product, either in-line with production or off-line. The NWF may be printed over only a small percentage with respect to its surface (2-3%) up to a coverage of 100% of its surface, depending on the use of the NWF itself, i.e.: personal hygiene, domestic hygiene, matting, non-woven fabric for clothing, table-cloths, handkerchiefs, curtains (furnishings), bags, containers for items.
US08307764B2
A printing assembly includes a cylindrical sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a first channel and the outer surface defines a port fluidly connected to the first channel. The inner surface is configured for lateral movement along a nonporous surface in response to a first flow of pressurized air being directed into the first channel from the port. The inner surface is also configured to fixedly mate with the nonporous surface in response to removal of the flow.
US08307755B2
A container with an improved structure includes a body having an opening. The opening is covered with a cover. The bottom of the cover has a first assembly part. A supporting base is accommodated inside the body. One end of the supporting base has a second assembly part to hang on the first assembly part. The other end of the supporting base has a connecting part for connecting with an infusion object. When the supporting base is hung on the first assembly part using its second assembly part, the supporting base can be shaken with a force.
US08307745B2
A lever device includes first and second levers coupled at a lever pivot. First end of a first bar is pivotally coupled to the first lever at a first lever-bar pivot. First end of a second bar is pivotally coupled to the second lever at a second lever-bar pivot. First tool is pivotally coupled to a distal end of the first lever at a first lever-tool pivot. Second end of the first tool is pivotally coupled to the second end of the second bar. Second tool is pivotally coupled to the second lever at a second lever-tool pivot and a second end of the lever is pivotally coupled to the second end of the second bar. First lever-bar pivot is between the lever pivot and a distal end of the first lever and the second lever-bar pivot is between the lever pivot and a distal end of the second lever.
US08307743B2
An adjustable structure for a hand tool includes a handle, a shank connected with the handle, and an adjusting device mounted on the handle. The handle has a chamber defined therein and two protrusions extending therefrom. The shank has at least two clamping grooves annularly defined therein. The adjusting device includes a rotary element, two slidable elements and two springs. The rotary element has a through hole defined therein, such that the shank passes through the through hole. Two sliding channels are defined in the rotary element. Each sliding channel receives one slidable element and one spring. Each slidable element has a clamping surface formed thereon for engaging with the clamping groove. Each slidable element has an abutting slot defined therein and receiving the protrusion. The shank is adjustable by moving the desired clamping groove to selectively engage with the two slidable elements.
US08307733B2
A tilting and telescopic apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a column housing surrounding a steering shaft, a telescopic tube coupled, on a first end, to the column housing, a telescopic bracket surrounding a second end of the telescopic tube so as to slidably move along the telescopic tube, a tilt shaft provided in the telescopic bracket, a tilt bracket rotatably coupled to the tilt shaft, an adjusting bolt passing through one side of the telescopic bracket and the tilt bracket, a cam provided on one end of the adjusting bolt, an adjusting lever driving the cam, and a tilt locking member provided on the other end of the adjusting bolt. In the apparatus, no cable is necessary and the adjusting lever is provided on the telescopic bracket, thereby smoothing the tilting and telescoping operations thereof.
US08307732B2
A parallel link robot (10) provided with a base (11), a moving part (12), three links (20a to 20c) coupling the base and the moving part and having respectively single degrees of freedom with respect to the base, and three actuators (13a to 13c) respectively driving the links, each of the links comprised of a drive link (21a to 21c) coupled with the base and two driven links (22a to 22c, 23a to 23c) coupling the drive link and the moving part and parallel to each other, and further provided with a posture changing mechanism (15) which changes a posture of an element (19) attached to the moving part, an additional actuator (13d to 13f) arranged between the two driven links of at least one link in parallel to these driven links, and a power transmission shaft (39) which extends coaxially from the additional actuator and transmits rotational drive force to the posture changing mechanism. Due to this, it is possible to increase the degrees of freedom without reducing the possible region of operation and the acceleration/deceleration performance.
US08307717B2
A method and apparatus for installing an insulation material to a surface by inserting a nozzle and a neck of a welding gun through a channel in an insulation material, positioning the insulation material on the surface to be insulated using the welding gun, firmly pushing the welding gun into the channel of the insulation material until the nozzle of the welding gun, an anchor embedded in the insulation material and the surface are in contact, welding the anchor of the insulation material to the surface with the welding gun, and removing the nozzle and the neck of the welding gun from the channel in the insulation material. A method and apparatus for testing the integrity of a weld between an anchored insulation material, a surface and a nozzle of a welding gun. A special tool for testing the integrity of the weld between the anchored insulation material and a surface.
US08307713B2
A semiconductor filter is provided to operate in conjunction with a differential pressure transducer. The filter receives a high and very low frequency static pressure attendant with a high frequency low dynamic pressure at one end, the filter operates to filter said high frequency dynamic pressure to provide only the static pressure at the other filter end. A differential transducer receives both dynamic and static pressure at one input port and receives said filtered static pressure at the other port where said transducer provides an output solely indicative of dynamic pressure. The filter in one embodiment has a series of etched channels directed from an input end to an output end. The channels are etched pores of extremely small diameter and operate to attenuate or filter the dynamic pressure. In another embodiment, a spiral tubular groove is found between a silicon wafer and a glass cover wafer, an input port of the groove receives both the static and dynamic pressure with an output port of the groove providing only static pressure. The groove filters attenuate dynamic pressure to enable the differential transducer to provide an output only indicative of dynamic pressure by cancellation of the static pressure.
US08307712B2
A gage having a motion detection mechanism magnetically attached to a pressure sensing diaphragm. The motion detection mechanism is magnetically coupled to a pointer rotation mechanism configured to indicate the position of the diaphragm and the corresponding pressure sensed by the diaphragm.
US08307711B2
Apparatus for inspection of a fluid comprising: a channel portion, the channel portion having a channel inlet and a channel outlet separate from the channel inlet; a piezoelectric sensor element provided at a sensor position of the channel and arranged to contact fluid flowing through the channel portion from said channel inlet to said channel outlet, the apparatus being configured to determine a difference value being a value corresponding to a difference between a resonant frequency of oscillation of said piezoelectric element at a given moment in time and a reference resonant frequency.
US08307706B2
A marine steering fluid system sight gauge comprises a hollow body having an annular first end, a second end, and a substantially transparent intermediate portion. The annular first end is externally threaded and screws into and sealingly engages against a threaded aperture of a marine steering fluid system. The second end is internally threaded and sealingly receives the threaded cylindrical plug of a marine steering fluid system cap. The hydraulic fluid level is periodically inspected by viewing the level of fluid in the transparent intermediate portion of the sight gauge.
US08307681B2
A method of inducing compressive residual stress of blading members integrally formed with a rotor. The method includes using a caliper-type burnishing tool such that the caliper arms of the tool are contoured and oriented for placing the burnishing elements on opposite sides of the blading member to be treated. The blading member is burnished to introduce a pre-determined pattern of residual compressive stresses in a selected area of the blade.
US08307680B2
Coated steel having a well defined and uniform thickness is useful and advantageous for preparing products by hot stamping. Products prepared by hot stamping such a steel are particularly advantageous when subjected to a subsequent spot welding step.
US08307673B2
A glass lampshade comprising a fusion body of crystal grain glass, an upper crystal glass plate, a lower crystal glass plate, and a curing gel layer. The upper crystal glass plate is attached to the lower crystal plate via the curing gel layer. The fusion body of crystal grain glass is attached to the upper crystal glass plate. A method of producing the glass lampshade.
US08307667B2
A method or apparatus of accessing data includes detecting at least one parameter of a component of a refrigerated container and providing data relating to the at least one parameter to a transmitting computer located on the refrigerated container. The method or apparatus can further include transferring the data from the transmitting computer to a first remote computer located at an off-site location and transferring the data from the first remote computer to a second remote computer located at another off-site location.
US08307658B2
A flame holder for an afterburner duct of a jet engine, including an arm in the form of a gutter forming a cavity, a shield for protecting the cavity of the arm from heat, and an air supply baffle housed in the cavity, is disclosed. The arm, the protective shield, and the air supply baffle are held together by a one-piece spacer shoe.
US08307657B2
A system, in one embodiment, includes a turbine engine. The turbine engine includes a combustor that includes a hollow annular wall having a combustor liner. The turbine engine also includes first flow path in a first direction through the hollow annular wall. The turbine engine further includes a second flow path in a second direction that is opposite the first direction through the hollow annular wall. The second flow path may include one or more film holes configured to supply a cooling film to a downstream end portion of the combustor liner.
US08307654B1
A transition duct for a gas turbine engine of the kind with can combustors, the transition duct is formed from an inner section and an outer section that form a spiral shaped cooling channel from an inlet end to an outlet end. The spiral channel includes a number of fins that extend into the cooling air passage. an annular plate with an annular arrangement of exit holes closes an aft end of the spiral cooling channel and forms an expansion chamber for the exit holes.
US08307639B2
An SOx trap catalyst able to trap SOx contained in the exhaust gas is arranged in an engine exhaust passage upstream of an NOx storing catalyst in an internal combustion engine. When the SOx trap rate of the SOx trap catalyst falls, fuel is added in the exhaust gas flowing into the SOx trap catalyst to form in the SOx trap catalyst a region in which an air-fuel ratio becomes locally rich. SOx released from the SOx trap catalyst in this region can be trapped in the SOx trap catalyst at the downstream side once again without flowing out from the downstream end of the SOx trap catalyst.
US08307638B2
An object of the invention is to recover the capability of an exhaust gas purification apparatus provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine with improved reliability. According to the invention there are provided recovery control execution unit for executing a recovery control in which the temperature of the exhaust gas purification apparatus is raised by supply of reducing agent to a precatalyst to thereby recover the capability of the exhaust gas purification apparatus and prohibition range setting unit for setting a recovery control prohibition range that is an operation range of the internal combustion engine in which execution of the recovery control by the recovery control execution unit is prohibited. The higher the degree of deterioration of the precatalyst is, the higher the maximum values of the engine torque and the engine revolution number in the recovery control prohibition range are set to be.
US08307631B2
A control system may include an adsorber bypass evaluation module, an adsorber bypass control module and an engine operation control module. The adsorber bypass evaluation module may evaluate a bypass closing criterion of a hydrocarbon adsorber bypass passage in an engine exhaust gas treatment device after an engine key-on condition. The adsorber bypass control module may be in communication with the adsorber bypass evaluation module and may close the hydrocarbon adsorber bypass passage after the key-on condition when the bypass closing criterion meets a predetermined condition. The engine operation control module may be in communication with the adsorber bypass control module and may start the engine after the closing.
US08307630B2
An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine comprises a turbocharger, an exhaust pipe, a first diesel particulate filter, a second diesel particulate filter, and a flow control valve. The exhaust pipe has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. At least the second portion of the exhaust pipe comprises a plurality of fluid paths. The first diesel particulate filter is coupled to on one of the plurality of fluid paths between the second portion and the third portion of the exhaust pipe. The second diesel particulate filter is coupled to another of the plurality of fluid paths. The flow control valve is disposed within the second portion of the exhaust pipe. The flow control valve is response to an input signal indicative of an operating condition and is configured to control exhaust flow to the first diesel particulate filter and the second diesel particulate filter in response to the input signal.
US08307628B2
A rear fan case for a gas turbine engine includes a main body and a discrete joining arrangement mounted on the outside of the main body towards its rear end. The joining arrangement provides a substantially radial groove around the main body, which can receive a joining blade on a thrust reverser unit to form a joint between the rear fan case and the thrust reverser unit. The joining arrangement may be made of metal while the main body is made of composite material. Features may be provided to ensure proper alignment and location of the joining arrangement.
US08307623B2
A spindle stopping mechanism for a yarn machine including a magnetic field assembly which when energized by a signal from a yarn breakage sensor causes a spindle gripping mechanism to grip and stop a spindle. A locking mechanism is also provided.
US08307618B2
A packaging apparatus includes a conveyance unit having first and second position control plates. The first position control plate is arranged to selectively move forward or backward so as to obstruct or pass the group of packaged objects conveyed on the conveyance unit. When positions of the packaged objects are adjusted, the second position control plate is arranged to move from a downstream-side portion of the conveyance unit toward the first position control plate, rotate in a direction toward the first position control plate. or move from the downstream-side portion of the conveyance unit toward the first position control plate and simultaneously rotate in the direction toward the first position control plate. A subsequent process step delivery unit is arranged to deliver the group of packaged objects after the positions thereof are adjusted by the first and second position control plates, to a subsequent process device.
US08307617B2
Methods for forming packages from a web of preformed bags. In one exemplary method of forming packages from a web of preformed bags, a first bag is held open with air. A product is loaded into the first bag that is held open with air. An opening of the first bag is sealed. A next bag is indexed such that an opening of the next bag is proximate to an engagement member. The web is engaged with the engagement member to pre-open the next bag. The web is disengaged by the engagement member. The next bag is opened with air for loading.
US08307609B2
A reinforcement device for a lateral buckling stress installed on an angle-type steel member so as to be attachable and detachable therefrom without power-off of a power line tower, preparation and disassembly of members in order to prevent lateral buckling and accidental torsion. The reinforcement device includes an accommodation unit for surrounding a steel member, first and second cover units connected to the accommodation unit and formed to cover the steel member, and a fixation member for fixing the first and second cover units.
US08307606B1
Photovoltaic modules including a solar panel integrated with a supporting frame, and which are configured to be installed on a building rooftop. Modules according to the present teachings may be at least partially pre-assembled, with a solar panel oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop mounting surface of the supporting frame.
US08307600B2
A fastening system for connecting mats is provided. The fastening system may include one or more features such as a hook and loop fastening system, a projection and trench fastening system, retainer and a tension strip securing system, and/or magnets to secure mats in place.
US08307598B2
The present invention concerns an insulating wall system for a building structure, wherein the wall system comprises a first wall having an exterior surface with insulation material attached to the exterior surface of the first wall by elongated fastening members extending through at least one wall member of a second wall and the insulation material and being fixed to the first wall, wherein the elongated fastening members are mounted substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface of the first wall and that the elongated fastening members are mounted pre-stressed with a predetermined amount of tension so that frictional forces between the insulation material and the exterior surface of the first wall and the inner surface of the second wall, respectively, are established. A wall system according to the invention includes fewer components and may provide an improved insulation as the components constituting thermal bridging may be reduced.
US08307588B2
Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes an elongate flexible panel assembly having first and second longitudinal edges and at least one flexible thin-walled member having a length along a longitudinal axis of the elongate flexible panel assembly. The at least one flexible thin-walled member is configured to have a cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity to enable the elongate flexible panel assembly to be cantilevered from a surface via the first longitudinal edge without substantial deformation of the cross-sectional geometry of the at least one flexible thin-walled member along the length of the at least one flexible thin-walled member.
US08307582B2
Methods and apparatus for creating a shower or bath enclosure, in which, given a predetermined area in which to create the shower or bath, a given prefabricated water proof bath or shower floor module is too small to occupy the entire available enclosure space. The apparatus includes the use of one or more additional enclosure components, such as one or more shower benches, to occupy a space between an edge or edges of the floor module and the exterior boundary(ies) of the enclosure space.
US08307581B2
A guard to prevent direct touch contact between an individual's hand and a handle or a contact surface of a door to which a pushing or pulling force is applied to cause the door to open. According to a first preferred embodiment, a hollow cylindrical core is moved into removable surrounding engagement with a door handle. A plurality of protective strips are laid one above the other in a roll that surrounds the core. According to another preferred embodiment, a plurality of protective strips or coverings are disposed one above the other in a stack that is attached over a pushing surface of the door. Successive ones of the plurality of strips and coverings can be removed from the roll or stack and discarded following use. One surface of each of the strips and coverings is treated with a layer which includes a mixture of adhesive and microbicide. The layer of adhesive and microbicide enables the plurality of strips and coverings to be adhesively bonded to one another while discouraging the growth and spread of potentially disease-causing bacteria.
US08307572B2
An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper has a foot portion for receiving a foot and a leg portion for receiving at least a portion of a leg, and the sole structure is secured to a lower area of the foot portion. The footwear includes at least one of a plate system, a hinge system, and a sole structure formed from materials of different hardness, stiffness, or density. The plate system includes a plate that extends over a medial side of the footwear and may (a) be formed of materials of different hardness or (b) extend onto the sole structure and into an indentation in the sole structure. The hinge system includes a chassis secured to the foot portion and a beam secured to the leg portion, with a hinge rotatably-joining the chassis and beam.
US08307564B1
A deck building assist tool includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge. A first line is coextensive with the first edge and a second line is coextensive with the second edge. The first and second lines intersect each other and are orientated perpendicular with respect to each other. A spacing plate extends downwardly from the bottom side. A plane of the spacing plate is orientated parallel to the second line and is positionable between adjacent planks to indicate correct spacing between the adjacent planks. The panel has a pair of openings therein. The spacing plate has a front edge directed forward and spaced from the first edge. The front edge is spaced from the first edge to correctly position the openings over a joist.
US08307559B2
A bush cutter includes two types of cutting blades which differ completely in characteristics used to cut grasses and the like. One cutting blade is a resin string blade wound around a reel installed on a base plate, and the other is a metal blade installed in such a way as to protrude outward from the base plate. The bush cutter also includes a string guide which guides the resin blade to extend outwardly at less than a 90 degree angle from the reel as it projects from the base plate.
US08307557B1
A foot operated cutter has an elongated handle with a pair of cutting jaws mounted on one end thereof and a gripping member at the other end thereof. The cutting jaws are mounted on separate spaced apart pivot axles. The upper end of each jaw is pivotally coupled to a movement arm and the two movement arms are pivotally coupled to each other. One movement arm is coupled to a foot operable lever. Movement of the lever causes the movement arms to pivot and move the upper ends of the jaws apart from each other resulting in the lower ends of the jaws coming together in a cutting action. A biasing member preferably urges the jaws to an open position. An adjustable stop is preferably provided and prevents the lever from putting too much force on the jaws.
US08307555B2
A knife includes a handle and a blade coupled to the handle so as to be movable between an open position in which the blade extends from the handle, and a closed position, in which the blade is received within the handle. A detent mechanism is configured to resist movement of the blade from the closed position toward the open position while less than a threshold bias is applied to the blade toward the open position, but to release the blade to move toward the open position when at least the threshold bias is applied to the blade toward the open position. The threshold bias is of such a degree that, when the blade is released by the detent mechanism, sufficient energy is imparted by the bias to the blade to carry the blade from the closed position to the open position.
US08307538B2
A method for manufacturing an head gimbal assembly (HGA) according to the present invention is comprised of: a step for preparing a thin film piezoelectric actuator including a first piezoelectric laminate having a first piezoelectric layer, and a second piezoelectric laminate having a second piezoelectric layer; a step for preparing a suspension; a fixing step for fixing the thin film piezoelectric actuator to the suspension; a first repolarization treatment step for performing repolarization treatment to the first piezoelectric layer after the fixing step; and a second repolarization treatment step for performing repolarization treatment to the second piezoelectric layer after the fixing step.
US08307536B2
A method for manufacturing a coil capable of generating a magnetic field known as an intense field when an electric current passes through it. There is formed at least one boss on at least one turn of the coil and at least one recess of a corresponding form in an adjacent turn, such that the boss extends perpendicularly to the recess for absorbing the mechanical stresses caused by the electromagnetic forces and mechanical forces of thermal origin. The coil is capable of generating a magnetic field known as an intense field when an electric current passes through it. The coil includes a tube made of a conductive material and cut out along an overall helicoidal cut-out line. At least one turn of the coil includes at least one boss extending perpendicularly to a recess of a corresponding form in an adjacent turn.
US08307533B2
A method of making a pole housing for an electric motor is provided. The pole housing may be used in both sealed and unsealed applications.
US08307528B2
A device, system, and method for generating low clearance slidably mated parts. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a measurement device having a non-contact micrometer capable of coincidentally indicating opposing edge data, rotational and linear air bearing slides, and a holding device. The non-contact micrometer allows for measurement of a plurality of parameters of a first part including the diameter and the difference between an edge of the first part and a reference point. The coincidental measurements are used to determine the size and geometric errors associated with the first part after suitable error elimination. In an exemplary system, a processing machine may be instructed by the measurement device to remove material from a second part so that the first part and the second part when mated together have a very low clearance tolerance level, e.g., as little as 0.00005 inches or less.
US08307526B2
The present invention provides a hemming device for a wheel housing of a vehicle where a hemming bed unit is attached to an installation frame at one side of the wheel housing, and where a worker can manually hem an inner panel and an outer panel by rotating a hemming roller unit for each process of which the lower portion is fixed to the upper center of the installation frame by a rotary clamper.
US08307515B2
The description relates to a handle shell to be installed in an opening in a thin wall such as a sheet-metal door leaf, a side wall of a sheet-metal cabinet, or the like, with a flange part, fastening elements proceeding from or being received in the flange part for fastening the flange part to the thin wall, and with a shell part. According to the invention, the flange part and shell part are two separate structural component parts, the flange part has a first flange supported on the edge of the opening in the thin wall, and the shell part of the handle shell has another flange which is enclosed in such a way by the first flange part after being installed that it extends between the thin wall and the first flange part.
US08307514B2
An automobile hinge repair tool comprising: (a) a base having a substantially planar top surface; and, (b) a cylindrical insert extending generally perpendicularly from the base, the cylindrical insert including an outer circumferential surface extending longitudinally and having a substantially constant radial diameter, where the substantially planar top surface of the base extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical insert at least a predetermined distance and, where the cylindrical insert and the base cooperate to create an automobile hinge repair mold.
US08307510B2
A moving mechanism of an electronic device is provided, including a first member, a second member, a sliding member slidably connected to the first member, and a pivot rotatably connecting the second member with the sliding member. When the first member slides relative to the sliding member, a latch member on the first member is pressed by the sliding member to a retracted position. When the sliding member is released from an initial angle and rotates relative to the second member, the latch member is pushed by a resilient element and is joined in a recess of the sliding member, thus preventing sliding between the first member and the sliding member.
US08307504B2
A breakaway hinge receptacle includes a base including first and second hinge arm mounting structures. The second hinge arm mounting structure is movable between an operative position and a breakaway position. A breakaway lever is connected to the base and includes inner and outer ends, wherein the inner end is operatively engaged with the second hinge arm mounting structure. A spring is operatively engaged between the breakaway lever and the base. The spring biases the breakaway lever to a first position in which the inner end of the breakaway lever biases the second mounting structure to its operative position. The second hinge arm mounting structure is selectively movable from its operative position to its breakaway position against the biasing force exerted by the inner end of said breakaway lever and the spring. Alternatively, the second hinge arm mounting structure is defined by or is connected to or is otherwise included on the inner end of the breakaway lever.
US08307503B1
A self-closing hinge comprises a stationary assembly comprising a hollow cylindrical tube having a first end and a second end having a clutch stationary assembly secured thereto. The hinge further includes a first torsional spring positioned within said tube and secured at the first end thereof, and has a pin secured at a second end of said first torsional spring whereby said spring biases said pin in a first direction and whereby said pin rotates to engage said clutch assembly at a at least one point. A rotating intermediate tube assembly comprises a generally hollow cylinder having a first end positioned over said stationary assembly, and a second end having a clutch rotating assembly, whereby said pin of said torsional spring engages said clutch rotating assembly at a point. The invention further comprise an exterior tube assembly comprising a generally hollow cylinder having a first open end positioned over said intermediate tube assembly and a second closed end, and a second torsional spring positioned between and secured to said intermediate tube assembly and said exterior tube assembly.
US08307489B1
A towel assembly for suspension from a golf push cart handle, the towel assembly including an absorbent fabric sheet having an upper end, a lower end, a lateral side, an oppositely lateral side, a rearward surface, and a forward surface; a vertical fold extending the fabric sheet's lateral side forwardly and oppositely laterally; a horizontal fold extending the fabric sheet's upper end forwardly and downwardly; snap fasteners connected operatively to the fabric sheet, the snap fasteners being adapted for, upon positioning the golf push cart handle beneath the horizontal fold, alternatively enveloping the golf push cart handle for the towel suspension, and releasing the golf push cart handle; and embroidered logo indicia positioned upon the fabric sheet's rearward surface.
US08307485B2
Advantageous apparatus, are provided for facilitating maintenance of a automated pool cleaning device. More particularly, an improved automated pool cleaning device is provided, according to the present disclosure. The device, generally, includes a facially accessible quick-release roller assembly, a bucket-type filter assembly, and a windowed top access lid assembly. The improved roller assembly and filter assembly are easily accessible for maintenance purposes. Furthermore, the windowed lid assembly provides visual feedback as to when the filter assembly needs to be cleaned.
US08307480B2
An enclosure for preventing certain organisms from escaping from an item susceptible to infestation into the surrounded environment and for preventing certain organisms from entering the item susceptible to infestation from the surrounding environment. The enclosure is defined by a flexible sheet material defining an interior space. The enclosure comprises a slit-like opening formed in the flexible sheet material through which an item susceptible to infestation can be inserted into the interior space defined by the enclosure.
US08307473B1
A patient transfer device including a retractable wheel assembly, a caster brake and a track extension is provided. The retractable wheel assembly can include a cammed linkage arm operatively coupled to a retractable wheel. As the patient transfer device moves downwardly over a step, the cammed linkage arm can bear against the step, rotating the retractable wheel to a stowed position. The caster brake and the track extension can cooperate to stabilize the patient transfer device at the top and bottom of a stairway, respectively. The caster brake and the track extension can each include a high-friction engagement surface that is vertically offset from the respective caster and track. The retractable wheel assembly, caster brake and track extension can improve the control the patient transfer device along level, ramped and stepped surfaces, particularly for operators lacking sufficient training or experience.
US08307470B2
A toilet bowl system comprising an electric spigot, an electric valve, and a control unit for controlling said electric spigot and said electric valve, and for operatively synchronizing said electric spigot with said electric valve.
US08307469B1
Improved floor sink drain screen locks having expandable means for sealingly engaging the walls of a floor sink drain, yet being readily collapsible for quick and easy removal when desired.
US08307463B2
This invention relates generally to a bra or tank that has three layers on the chest that allow the wearer to comfortably breast feed or pump milk hands-free. Specifically, the tank or bra has three detachable layers over the breast where the outer layer is a solid layer, the inner layer has two openings over the nipple that are equipped to receive the funnels of a breast pumping apparatus and hold them to the breast without the wearer holding them, and an inner layer that has a large opening for the breast so that the wearer may breast feed an infant.
US08312559B2
A wireless security authentication system comprises a wireless element configured to determine validity of a user credential to enable use of a computing system, the wireless element powered by inductive coupling.
US08312558B2
A method of managing protected video content is presented that includes inspecting a packet stream received from a subscriber broadband interface, where the packet stream includes video content. The method also includes generating a signature based on the video content and comparing the generated signature with a stored signature corresponding to protected video content. In a particular embodiment, the method can include storing data indicating that the protected video content has been re-distributed from the subscriber broadband interface when the generated signature matches the stored signature.
US08312556B2
An information processing apparatus includes a use restriction unit that restricts use of the information processing apparatus based on identification information stored in an identification information storage unit, and a controller. The controller is operable to update the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit, send the updated identification information to a preset mail address, by an E-mail, receive an E-mail, determine whether the received E-mail is an E-mail replying to the sent E-mail, and control the identification information storage unit to store identification information included in the received E-mail as new identification information if the received E-mail is determined to be the E-mail replying to the sent E-mail.
US08312549B2
The following subject matter provides a computer-implemented method and system for calculation of cost-effectiveness of countermeasures in mitigating the threats on a system through calculating risk of threats. The calculation is run on a model of assets, threats, vulnerabilities and countermeasures and enables the production of easy to understand reports and action item lists showing the financial value of threat risks and countermeasures priorities and cost-effectiveness.
US08312547B1
A computer includes a portable environment including a portable file system located on a removable storage device, the portable environment using virtualization in a host operating system. A path translation module translates a virtualized path of a file in the portable file system to an actual path of the file. The virtualized path is the path in the context of a portable user application running in the portable environment, and the actual path is the path in the context of the host operating system. A malware detection module executing directly under the host operating system determines whether the file contains malware using the actual path of the file and takes remedial actions if malware is detected.
US08312543B1
A computer system detects and selectively blocks a cookie associated with a website. The system monitors a network traffic stream directed to a client from a website and detects presence of a cookie associated with the website in the network traffic stream. The system detects the cookie in the network traffic stream by analyzing the network stream using a network traffic filtering scheme, such as a deep packet inspection engine. The system further determines a reputation of the website in response to detecting the cookie in the network traffic stream. A reputation of a website represents an assessment of whether the website is trustworthy. Based on the determined reputation of the website, the system selectively blocks the cookie from being stored in the client if the reputation of the website is bad.
US08312540B1
In general, the invention is directed toward techniques for controlling access to a network or other computing resource in order to slow down the execution of a password attack while providing minimal obstruction to normal network activity. The method includes generating a history of successful network logins, detecting symptoms of a network password attack, and activating countermeasures in response to the detection. The method further includes receiving a valid login request from the user while the countermeasures are activated and analyzing the history of successful network logins to determine whether the valid login request satisfies a match condition. The method further includes granting the user access to the network when the valid login request satisfies the match condition and denying the user access to the network when the valid login request does not satisfy the match condition even though the valid login request contains a valid username and a valid password.
US08312539B1
A user-assisted security software program alerts a user when a new pop-up is displayed from a suspicious source application. If the source application may be suspicious if it has a low reputation. Displayed in connection with the pop-up, the alert prompts the user to indicate whether the source application that generated the pop-up should be trusted. If the user indicates that the source application is not trusted, the security software declares the source application to be malicious. The malicious code can then be dealt with, such as by removing it from the computing system, blocking it from generating new pop-ups, and preventing further network communications. The user's feedback about the source application may also be used to adjust the application's reputation.
US08312531B2
Systems (and corresponding methodologies) of deploying an enhanced access point (or an integrated router/access point) with embedded secure socket layer (SSL) tunneling capabilities are provided. The innovation enables users to initiate or prompt secure SSL tunnels between a wireless computer or device (and browser session) and the wireless gateway device (WGD). In particular, off-the-shelf web browser applications can be used to effect secure communication between a wireless mobile device and a SWAT-(Secure Wireless Application Tunnel-) equipped access point.
US08312524B2
A card management device includes: a card device configured to include a controller on which a cryptographic IP is mounted in advance; and an individual information writing device configured to allow the card device to be connected to the individual information writing device in such a way that the card device is capable of data transfer to the individual information writing device, individual information assigned to the card device in advance being set in the individual information writing device, the individual information writing device being capable of writing the individual information to the card device connected to the individual information writing device.
US08312523B2
Techniques are described for providing enhanced security for electronic communications, such as by including in a message sent between two services a digital signature that is generated by using secret information known to the services, so that the recipient receives assurance regarding the sender's identity if the recipient can replicate the received digital signature using the secret information known to the recipient. In some situations, the enhanced security is used in communications to and/or from an access manager system that provides single sign-on functionality and other functionality to other services for use with those services' users, such as to prevent malicious phishers from inappropriately gaining access to user information. Various services may use the enhanced security techniques when interacting with the access manager system at various times, such as to initiate sign-on for a user and/or to take subsequent action on behalf of a signed-on user.
US08312512B2
An on-board telecommunication system, partitioned into a secure area and a non secure area, including at least a first telecommunication equipment unit in the secure area, a second telecommunication equipment unit in the non secure area, and a first one-way link from the first to the second equipment. The first equipment unit is configured to transmit data on the first link according to a first protocol. The system further includes a second link from the second to the first equipment unit, in accordance with a second protocol, the first two layers of which are distinct of those of the first protocol, the second equipment configured to transmit data on the second link as messages in accordance with the first protocol and encapsulated in frames in accordance with the second protocol.
US08312504B2
Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.
US08312493B2
A technique for providing program restart functionality in a digital video network involves receiving requests from different end-user devices to restart a program and servicing the program restart requests from the different end-user devices via a single broadcast stream. In an embodiment, program restart requests that are received within an established time interval, referred to as an aggregation interval, are serviced by the same broadcast stream. Additionally, during the aggregation interval and before the program restart begins, personalized content can be provided to the end-user devices via, for example, unicasting. Once the aggregation interval is over, all of the unicast streams are switched over to the same broadcast stream and the program broadcast is restarted. In an embodiment, a switch buffer is provided just before the restarted broadcast stream in order to ensure a smooth transition from each of the multiple unicast streams to the restarted broadcast stream.
US08312492B2
A method and system of providing media content is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving media content from a content source at a set-top box device. The media content includes video data having a first playback rate and audio data having the first playback rate. The method further includes transforming the audio data via a non-linear transformation to produce modified audio data having a second playback rate, modifying the video data to produce modified video data having the second playback rate, and synchronizing the modified audio data and the modified video data to produce modified media content having the second playback rate. A network-based media content storage device and associated logic to provide adjusted rate audio content are also disclosed.
US08312491B2
A system for product advertising through a telecommunication network is disclosed. The system comprises an advertising engine and an information depot. The advertising engine comprises an information-extraction tool for acquiring product information, an authoring tool for tracking product images appearing in a display of a video recording, and an augmented-display tool for relating product images appearing in a display of a video recording to respective product information. The information depot comprises a global product directory and overlay directories for a set of video recordings. A number of authoring computers connect to the advertising engine of the present invention as well as streaming video sources and advertising databases to generate content of the information depot. The advertising engine distributes the augmented-display tool to viewers' computers which accesses the video-content directory and the product directory to acquire respective overlay directories and associated product data.
US08312480B2
To facilitate client access to web services, a server may be configured to package or bundle a function call for a web service with associated information. This information may include parameters for the function call and/or software code that can facilitate the function call. The software code may be configured to format user input for use as parameters of the function call, to prompt the user for parameters, to control the display of the web services received in response to execution of the function call, or to otherwise facilitate use of the function call. The resulting function call package may be distributed to multiple clients.
US08312476B2
A method for synchronizing information of dual operating systems is provided. The method is used for synchronizing information of a first operating system and a second operating system when an electronic device is switching from a first operating system to a second operating system. First, the second operating system sends an information requesting message to a controller of the electronic device when the first operating system is switched to the second operating system. The controller checks if the first operating system operates in a work mode. If the first operating system operates in the work mode, the controller forwards the information requesting message to the first operating system, so as to obtain the information of the first operating system. Finally, the second system synchronizes the information recorded therein according to the obtained information.
US08312475B2
An inter-network remote control system is described that enables remote control of computing devices via two or more disparate data communications networks. In various embodiments, the inter-network remote control system receives a message from a mobile device via a first network, transforms the received message so that it can be relayed via a second network, and forwards the transformed message via the second network to a target computing device to cause that device to be controlled remotely.
US08312464B2
Mechanisms are provided for providing hardware based dynamic load balancing of message passing interface (MPI) tasks by modifying tasks. Mechanisms for adjusting the balance of processing workloads of the processors executing tasks of an MPI job are provided so as to minimize wait periods for waiting for all of the processors to call a synchronization operation. Each processor has an associated hardware implemented MPI load balancing controller. The MPI load balancing controller maintains a history that provides a profile of the tasks with regard to their calls to synchronization operations. From this information, it can be determined which processors should have their processing loads lightened and which processors are able to handle additional processing loads without significantly negatively affecting the overall operation of the parallel execution system. Thus, operations may be performed to shift workloads from the slowest processor to one or more of the faster processors.
US08312463B2
This patent application pertains to urgency-based resource management in computing scenarios. One implementation can identify processes competing for resources on a system. The implementation can evaluate an urgency of individual competing processes. The implementation can also objectively allocate the resources among the competing processes in a manner that reduces a total of the urgencies of the competing processes.
