US08310171B2
A programmable LED constant current driver circuit for driving LEDs at constant current and dimming the LEDs using standard, off-the-shelf dimmers is provided. The current driver circuit of the present disclosure includes a temperature compensation feature which controls the on time for the LEDs based on a measured temperature of the current driver and associated circuits. In another embodiment, the current driver circuit is designed to receive a 24 VAC input and drive one or more LEDs in a transformer-based system dimming system.
US08310169B2
A power conversion driving circuit is provided. The power conversion drive circuit includes a converting circuit, a control circuit and a load circuit. The converting circuit is coupled to an input voltage. The control circuit is coupled to the converting circuit for controlling the converting circuit to convert the input voltage to an output voltage. The load circuit includes a load detecting unit and a load. The load is coupled to the output voltage, and the load detecting unit is coupled to a detecting voltage source. The load detecting unit generates a load detecting signal to re-start the control circuit when the load circuit is inserted into the power conversion driving circuit.
US08310166B2
A lighting device receives an output of a power supply phase detector and performs a lighting control of a lighting load by a trigger signal to be output from a load controller to a switching element (a load drive unit) at an arbitrary conduction angle. The load controller includes a determination unit that turns on the switching element at a phase of a conduction angle of a commercial power supply in which any lighting load (an incandescent lamp, a bulb-type fluorescent lamp, and an LED lamp) can be turned on during a predetermined period after turning on a power supply, so as to determine a type of the lighting load during the period. The load controller switches to a predetermined operation mode depending on a type of the lighting load determined by the determination unit.
US08310160B1
An arc protection circuit is provided for a current-fed, parallel-resonant inverter ballast, the circuit having a lamp signal sensing circuit coupled across one or more lamps and designed to detect a signal through the lamps, a shutdown circuit coupled to the sensing circuit and operable to disable the ballast in response to a disturbance such as an arc in the detected signal, at least a portion of the shutdown circuit defining a first time delay from detection of the disturbance in the signal during which the ballast operates normally, and after which the ballast may be disabled in response to the disturbance; and an automatic restart circuit coupled to the shutdown circuit and operable to enable restarting of the ballast, at least a portion of the restart circuit defining a second time delay during which the ballast remains disabled, after which the ballast may be restarted.
US08310153B2
An organic light emitting diode display device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the organic light emitting diode display device includes i) a base substrate including a first device region and a first encapsulation region, ii) an organic light emitting diode (OLED) disposed on the first device region, iii) an inner filler formed over the OLED and the first device region, iv) a light transmission layer formed on the inner filler, v) an encapsulation substrate including a second device region and a second encapsulation region corresponding to the first device region and first encapsulation region, respectively, wherein the second device region is formed over the light transmission layer and vi) an encapsulation agent disposed on the first and second encapsulation regions, and configured to encapsulate the base substrate with the encapsulation substrate.
US08310149B2
Disclosed is an OLED device including an organic layer disposed between an anode and a cathode, and a mirror layer on the anode or cathode. The organic layer is structured into electroluminescent zones and inactive zones, while the mirror layer is structured into nontransparent zones and transparent zones. Via an at least partial alignment of these structures, the OLED device can be made transparent for environmental light and simultaneously emissive in a dominant direction.
US08310146B2
This invention provides an organic electroluminescent element that has a thin and compact sealing structure and is excellent in heat resistance in sealing, particularly a high-brightness organic electroluminescent element comprising a phosphorescence emitting substance, and a liquid crystal display device and lighting equipment using the same. The organic electroluminescent element comprises a substrate and a first electrode, one or more organic layers including a luminescent layer, and a second electrode provided on the substrate. An adhesive layer is disposed on the whole area of a light emitting surface and remote from the light takeout side in the organic electroluminescent element, and a flexible film having a barrier film is applied thereto to form the light emitting surface. The organic electroluminescent element is characterized in that at least one of the luminescent material contained in the luminescent layer is phosphorescence emitting substance, and not less than 80% by mass of the organic material constituting the organic layer has a glass transition temperature of 100° C. or above.
US08310138B2
An actuator includes an ion-conductive polymer layer made of a first ion-conductive polymer, a pair of electrode layers provided one on each side of the ion-conductive polymer layer and made of a second ion-conductive polymer and conductive powder, and ions contained in the ion-conductive polymer layer and electrode layers. The first and second ion-conductive polymers differ in functional group type from each other.
US08310136B2
A piezoelectric thin film element, comprising a piezoelectric thin film lamination with at least a lower electrode, a piezoelectric thin film represented by a general formula (NaxKyLiz)NbO3 (0≦x 1≦, 0≦y≦1, 0≦z≦0.2, x+y+z=1), and an upper electrode disposed on a substrate, wherein the piezoelectric thin film has a crystal structure of a pseudo-cubic crystal or a tetragonal crystal or an orthorhombic crystal, or has a composition in which one of these crystals exists or at least two or more of them coexist, and is preferentially oriented to a specific axis smaller than or equal to two axes of these crystals, and in the ratio of component (001) to component (111), volume fraction of the component (001) falls within a range of 60% or more and 100% or less, and the volume fraction of the component (111) falls within a range of 0% or more and 40% or less, in a case that the total of the component (001) and the component (111) is set to be 100%.
US08310128B2
MEMS stages comprising a plurality of comb drive actuators provide micro and up to nano-positioning capability. Flexure hinges and folded springs that operably connect the actuator to a movable end stage provide independent motion from each of the actuators that minimizes unwanted off-axis displacement, particularly for three-dimensional movement of a cantilever. Also provided are methods for using and making MEMS stages. In an aspect, a process provides a unitary MEMS stage made from a silicon-on-insulator wafer that avoids any post-fabrication assembly steps. Further provided are various devices that incorporate any of the stages disclosed herein, such as devices requiring accurate positioning systems in applications including scanning probe microscopy, E-jet printing, near-field optic sensing, cell probing and material characterization.
US08310127B2
A high-output energy converter of an output-improving thermionic generator, thermally connected to other generators without moving parts that utilize the residual energy from the thermionic generator. The thermionic generator comprises a rαultilayered vacuum diode, the layers of which are very thin and the gaps between the layers are also thin and kept at a distance from one another by selectively flexible spacer elements. Piezo elements or heating elements can precisely adjust the height of the gaps.
US08310118B2
A transverse flux machine has at least three phases, each provided by a stator core and phase windings. Each of the at least three phases is captured within a common housing. Parallel lines extend from the at least three phases, and a current source converter is created on each of the parallel lines by inductors, a switching network, and communicating capacitors, which are received within the common housing.
US08310117B2
A power plant for a jet-type model airplanes and UAVs includes an electric motor and a cover. The cover receives a portion of the electric motor and a sleeve into which the electric motor is inserted. The sleeve has a plurality of fins to dissipate heat and create openings into the cover. Air from the fan rotor passes through the openings to cool an electronic speed control member and exits a rear opening in the cover. The cover may also have additional openings for air to enter into the cover.
US08310113B2
An electromagnetic, reciprocating linear motor or alternator having at least two armatures that are adjacent along an axis of reciprocation. The armatures have gaps that are linearly aligned along a gap path parallel to the axis. Field magnets reciprocate within the gap path. The field magnets include a main field magnet associated with each armature, each main field magnet having a magnetic polarization in the same direction across the gap path. A secondary magnet provides a centering spring force and is interposed between the main magnets. The secondary magnet extends in an axial direction from within a gap of one armature core to within an adjacent gap of an adjacent armature core. The secondary magnet is magnetically polarized in a direction opposite the polarization of the main magnets.
US08310110B2
A power switch circuit includes first and second power switches, first to fourth inverters, first and second diodes. An input of the first inverter is connected to a first positive terminal of the first power switch. An input of the second inverter is connected to an output of the first inverter. A cathode of the first diode is connected to an output of the second inverter. An anode of the first diode is connected to a power-on terminal of a motherboard. An input of the third inverter is connected to a second positive terminal of the second power switch. An input of the fourth inverter is connected to an output of the third inverter. A cathode of the second diode is connected to an output of the fourth inverter. An anode of the second diode is connected to the power-on terminal.
US08310109B2
A system for managing AC energy harvested from a harvesting device (1) including a coil (4) including switching circuitry (S1-S4) coupled between first (7A) and second (7B) terminals of the coil. The switching circuitry includes first (S1), second (S2), third (S1), and fourth (S4) switches. A switch controller (17) closes the second and fourth switches to allow build-up of current (ILh) in the coil, opens one of the second and fourth switches, and closes a corresponding one of the third and first switches in response to the built-up inductor current reaching a predetermined threshold value (Ihrv) to steer the built-up inductor current through the corresponding one of the third and first switches to a current-receiving device (24 and/or RL, CL).
US08310108B2
Electric power supplying equipment and an electric power receiving device include a primary self resonant coil and a secondary self resonant coil, respectively, resonating through an electromagnetic field to allow the electric power supplying equipment to supply the electric power receiving device with electric power in a non-contact manner. A control device controls a high frequency electric power supply device to control supplying electric power from the primary self resonant coil to the secondary self resonant coil. The control device estimates a distance between the primary self resonant coil and the secondary self resonant coil from an S-parameter S11 varying with the distance between the primary self resonant coil and the secondary self resonant coil, and controls supplying electric power, based on that estimated distance.
US08310107B2
A power transmission control device used for a non-contact power transmission system includes a power-transmitting-side control circuit that controls power transmission to a power receiving device, and a harmonic detection circuit that detects a harmonic signal of a drive frequency of a primary coil. A resonant circuit (leakage inductance and resonant capacitor) that resonates with the harmonic of the drive frequency of the primary coil L1 is formed in the power receiving device so that harmonic resonance occurs. The harmonic detection circuit detects the harmonic resonance peak of the drive frequency of the primary coil.
US08310106B2
To suppress the magnetizing inrush current occurring when supplying power of three phases of the transformer are performed simultaneously using three single-phase circuit breakers or a non-phase segregated operation-type circuit breaker, without providing a circuit breaker with a resistor or other equipment. A magnetizing inrush current suppression method for transformer suppresses a magnetizing inrush current occurring at the start of energizing of a three-phase transformer 300, when a three-phase power supply 100 is input to a terminal of each phase by means of a three-phase circuit breaker 200. In the method, by integrating phase voltages or line-to-line voltages on the primary side or the secondary side or the tertiary side when three-phase AC voltages are applied in a steady state to the transformer 300, steady-state magnetic flux 4, 5, 6 for each phase of the transformer is calculated, and the polarity and magnitude of the residual magnetic flux 7, 8, 9 of each phase of the transformer after the circuit breaker 200 shuts off the transformer are calculated, and the three-phase circuit breaker is caused to close simultaneously in a region 13 in which three phases overlap, each of the three phases having the polarity of the steady-state magnetic flux 4, 5, 6 equal to the polarity of the residual magnetic flux 7, 8, 9 for each phase of the transformer.
US08310104B2
This disclosure includes systems and methods for managing the interaction between inverter-based DC and other power systems. In one embodiment, a 3-phase isolation transformer is fluxed to create a 3-phase rotating field from the output of a source inverter. An inductive filter turns that output into three sine waves. A secondary inverter regenerates the system, sometimes after the isolation transformer is fluxed, and by advancing or retarding the secondary inverter's phase, current (and, thus, the DC voltage and power direction) is controlled. In another embodiment, an inverter is supplied by a DC source. The inverter is controlled to match its output voltage, current, and phase to a live AC grid, then the two are connected. The inverter frequency is then driven to advance the phase of the inverter in relation to the grid. Alternatively, the inverter voltage is then driven at a level greater than that of the grid.
US08310100B2
A redundant power solution system, including at least a first and second input module, each configured for receiving input power, an output converter, wherein a first output line from the first input module and a second output line from the second module both feed into the output converter, and a control mechanism associated with the first and second input modules, wherein the control mechanism monitors the input power received by the first and second input modules and dynamically selects at least one of the first and second input modules to feed power into the output converter.
US08310094B2
A power supply system capable of smoothing photovoltaic generation output, and enabling time shift is provided. A power supply system including a DC power supply string in which a storage battery is connected in parallel to a DC power supply; and a DC/AC power conversion device for connecting the DC power supply string to a power system or a load is provided. A switch is connected between the DC power supply and the storage battery, where an output power of the DC power supply or a combined output power of the DC power supply and the storage battery is switched and supplied to the DC/AC power conversion device by the switch. The photovoltaic generation output is thereby smoothed, and time shift is enabled.
US08310092B2
Disclosed is an outdoor electrical power receptacle, comprising a main body, a mounting member, and an extension power cord, wherein an upper end of the mounting member couples to the main body. The extension power cord, couples to each of controllable power outlets disposed on the main body and extended out of the main body for connecting to an external power source. Herein, the main body further includes a power switching module, a wireless transceiver, and a microprocessor. The power switching module couples to each controllable power outlet. The wireless transceiver receives a control signal. The microprocessor coupled to the wireless transceiver and the power switching module, drives the power switching module so as to control each of the controllable power outlets to be conducted in response to the control signal. A control system of the outdoor electrical power receptacle according to the present invention is also provided.
US08310089B2
A set of network communications devices shares available power among themselves to meet overall system power loading. An individual device is configured to include a local power supply delivering power to a local power bus at a local supply voltage varied in response to a voltage control signal. A protection component is connected between the local power bus and an external power cable used to connect the device to another device for sharing power. The protection component provides an interruptible low-impedance DC path for carrying current based on direction and magnitude of a voltage difference between the local power bus and the external power cable. Control circuitry is used to: (a) drive a current-sharing bus connected among the devices to influence a value of a system current-sharing signal indicating a level of system power loading among the devices; (b) generate a difference signal indicating a difference between local power loading of the local power supply and the system power loading reflected by the system current-sharing signal; and (c) generate the voltage control signal based on the difference signal to achieve a predetermined sharing of the system power loading by the local power supply.
US08310086B2
A vehicular power system, which has an operating switch for making the transition among an ON state in which an IG power is ON or a vehicular power source is ON, an ACC state which is different from the ON state and in which an accessory power is ON, and an OFF state in which the vehicular power source and the accessory power are OFF, wherein when the operating switch is operated while a shift lever is in a parking position in the ACC state after the transition from the OFF state, the transition is made from the ACC state to the ON state.
US08310084B2
A device for controlling a power shunt circuit of a hybrid vehicle, including inverters, including DC sides linked to a DC voltage storage unit and AC sides intended to be linked to polyphase electrical machines. The polyphase electrical machines are able to operate in engine/engine or generator/generator modes. A control unit controls chopping switches of the second inverter in a way that is temporally offset relative to chopping switches of the first inverter in such a case, the control unit of the inverters controlling their chopping switches by pulse width vector modulation.
US08310079B2
A tidal energy capture means connects a turbine to its anchor by telescopic members which pivot about the anchor as axis in the plane of the tidal flow and whose combined length depends upon the force of this flow. These members can be locked at prescribed lengths by a remote signal, to control the level of the turbine during this movement. The anchor consists of a plug and socket, with buoyancy means for positioning the plug in the socket, and the telescopic members can be a rotatable shaft which drives equipment in the plug.
US08310075B2
A rotor of a wind turbine may cast an intermittent shadow onto an object in the vicinity of the turbine. A shadow-control system stops the wind turbine, based on a shadow-related shut-down condition. The condition is based on a result of a comparison between a direct-light intensity and an indirect-light intensity being beyond a direct-to-indirect light threshold. A set of light sensors measures the direct- and indirect-light intensities. A sensor measures the direct light intensity when irradiated by the sun, and the indirect-light intensity when not irradiated by the sun. The set of light sensors to provide the measured direct- and indirect-light intensities for the comparison consists of two sensors, an eastward-oriented sensor and a westward-oriented sensor.
US08310073B2
A method for aligning a wind turbine with the wind direction is provided. The method includes measuring at least one first pressure at a first side of the wind turbine's nacelle, determining the pressure difference between the measured first pressure and a second pressure, and rotating the nacelle in dependence to the determined pressure difference. A wind turbine arrangement including a nacelle, a yaw alignment controller, and a yaw drive is also provided.
US08310072B2
The present invention relates to a wind power installation (1) for generation of electrical power by means of ambient air, having a flow channel (3) through which the ambient air is passed by an air flow being formed, with the flow channel (3) having an outer casing (6) delimiting it, and also having: a first section (7) with an essentially constant cross section, into which the ambient air can be introduced, with an air acceleration device (39) being provided in the first section (7), a second tapered section (9) which is in the form of a Venturi nozzle (10), a third section (11) which follows the second section (9) and in which a rotor (60) is arranged which is caused to rotate by the air flowing through it, and whose rotation is used to generate electrical power, a fourth flared section (13) which is in the form of a Laval nozzle (12), and a fifth section (15) which has a second air acceleration device (85) used as the exhaust for the air which has been introduced into the flow channel (3).
US08310070B2
A method for generating electricity along a roadway is provided. The method includes actuating an energy transfer assembly coupled to the roadway, wherein the energy transfer assembly is actuated by a force acting upon the roadway. The method also includes generating electricity at a generator coupled to the energy transfer assembly, the generator being driven by actuation of the energy transfer assembly.
US08310067B2
A package is provided. The package includes a substrate having first and second surfaces, a stiffener coupled to the first surface of the substrate, and a thermal connector coupled to the second surface of the substrate that is configured to be coupled to a printed circuit board.
US08310047B2
A heat sink (10) is disclosed which comprises a substrate (1), an electrode layer (2) formed on the substrate (1) and a solder layer (3) formed on the substrate (1) wherein the solder layer (3) provides a bonding strength of not less than 30 MPa and a shear strain of not less than 0.07. The heat sink may be a sub-mount which comprises a sub-mount substrate (1), an electrode layer (2) formed on the substrate (1) and a solder layer (3) formed on the substrate (1) wherein the electrode layer (2) is formed with a window portion (2A) having the solder layer (3) embedded therein and is connected to an outer peripheral area of the solder layer (3). A sub-mount that has a high strength of bonding between the solder layer (3) and a semiconductor device is provided at a reduced cost.
US08310046B2
A wafer stacked semiconductor package (WSP) having a vertical heat emission path and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The WSP comprises a substrate on which semiconductor chips are mounted; a plurality of semiconductor chips stacked vertically on the substrate; a cooling through-hole formed vertically in the plurality of semiconductor chips, and sealed; micro holes formed on the circumference of the cooling through-hole; and coolant filling the inside of the cooling through-hole. Accordingly, the WSP reduces a temperature difference between the semiconductor chips and quickly dissipates the heat generated by the stacked semiconductor chips.
US08310039B2
A semiconductor device having a through electrode excellent in performance as for an electrode and manufacturing stability is provided. There is provided a through electrode composed of a conductive small diameter plug and a conductive large diameter plug on a semiconductor device. A cross sectional area of the small diameter plug is made larger than a cross sectional area and a diameter of a connection plug, and is made smaller than a cross sectional area and a diameter of the large diameter plug. In addition, a protruding portion formed in such a way that the small diameter plug is projected from the silicon substrate is put into an upper face of the large diameter plug. Further, an upper face of the small diameter plug is connected to a first interconnect.
US08310038B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a package carrier; mounting an integrated circuit device to the package carrier; mounting an embeddable conductive structure, having a non-horizontal portion between a lower portion and an elevated portion and a hole, to the integrated circuit device with the lower portion over the integrated circuit device; mounting an interposer to the lower portion and below the elevated portion; and forming an encapsulation having a recess exposing the interposer and the elevated portion.
US08310034B2
A semiconductor device having a digital region and an analog region embedded therein has an annular seal ring which surrounds the outer circumference of the digital region and the analog region in a plan view; a guard ring which is provided in the area surrounded by the seal ring, between the digital region and the analog region, so as to isolate the analog region from the digital region, and so as to be electrically connected to the seal ring; and an electrode pad which is electrically connected to the guard ring in the vicinity of the guard ring.
US08310031B2
A silicon-on-insulator or bonded wafer includes an upper portion having a trapezoid shape in cross-section and a lower portion having an outer peripheral edge having a curved shape.
US08310029B2
A group III nitride semiconductor free-standing substrate includes an as-grown surface, more than half of a region of the as-grown surface including a single crystal plane. The single crystal plane includes an off-angle inclined in an m-axis or a-axis direction from a C-plane with a group III polarity, or in a c-axis or a-axis direction from an M-plane.
US08310020B2
A non-volatile current-switching magnetic memory element includes a bottom electrode, a pinning layer formed on top of the bottom electrode, and a fixed layer formed on top of the pinning layer. The memory element further includes a tunnel layer formed on top of the pinning layer, a first free layer formed on top of the tunnel layer, a granular film layer formed on top of the free layer, a second free layer formed on top of the granular film layer, a cap layer formed on top of the second layer and a top electrode formed on top of the cap layer.
US08310012B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate dielectric layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, and at least a first conductive-type metal gate formed on the gate dielectric layer. The first conductive-type metal gate includes a filling metal layer and a U-type metal layer formed between the filling metal layer and the gate dielectric layer. A topmost portion of the U-type metal layer is lower than the filling metal layer.
US08310008B2
An electronic device can include a gate electrode having different portions with different conductivity types. In an embodiment, a process of forming the electronic device can include forming a semiconductor layer over a substrate, wherein the semiconductor layer has a particular conductivity type. The process can also include selectively doping a region of the semiconductor layer to form a first doped region having an opposite conductivity type. The process can further include patterning the semiconductor layer to form a gate electrode that includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion includes a portion of the first doped region, and the second region includes a portion of the semiconductor layer outside of the first doped region. In a particular embodiment, the electronic device can have a gate electrode having edge portions of one conductivity type and a central portion having an opposite conductivity type.
US08310006B2
Devices, structures, and related methods for IGBTs and the like which include a self-aligned series resistance at the source-body junction to avoid latchup. The series resistance is achieved by using a charged dielectric, and/or by using a dielectric which provides a source of dopant atoms of the same conductivity type as the source region, at a sidewall adjacent to the source region.
US08310002B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first diffusion region, a gate insulating film, a gate electrode, a second diffusion region and a contact plug. The semiconductor substrate includes a base and at least a pillar. The first diffusion region is disposed in the base. The gate insulating film covers a side surface of the pillar. The gate electrode is separated from the pillar by the gate insulating film. The second diffusion region is disposed in an upper portion of the pillar. The contact plug is connected to the second diffusion region. The contact plug is connected to the entirety of the top surface of the pillar.
US08309997B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric conversion device, wherein improvement of charge transfer properties when charge is output from a charge storage region and suppression of dark current generation during charge storage are compatible with each other. This object is achieved by forming a depletion voltage of a charge storage region in the range from zero to one half of a power source voltage (V), forming a gate voltage of a transfer MOS transistor during a charge transfer period in the range from one half of the power source voltage to the power source voltage (V) and forming a gate voltage of the transfer MOS transistor during a charge storage period in the range from minus one half of the power source voltage to zero (V).
US08309993B2
A pixel of an image sensor includes a polysilicon layer, and an active region which needs to be electrically coupled with the polysilicon layer, wherein the polysilicon layer extends over a portion of the active region, such that the polysilicon layer and the active region are partially overlapped, and the polysilicon layer and the active region are coupled through a buried contact structure.
US08309990B2
A III-V compound semiconductor structure comprises epitaxial structures that include an integrated pair of different types of active devices. The semiconductor structure includes a semi-insulating substrate of a compound semiconductor III-V material and a first compound semiconductor III-V epitaxial structure disposed on the substrate. A concentration profile of dopant material in the semiconductor structure decreases substantially smoothly across an interface between the substrate and the first epitaxial structure in a direction from the first epitaxial structure toward the substrate, and continues to decrease substantially smoothly from the interface with increasing depth into the substrate despite the presence of silicon or oxygen contaminant at the interface. The interface is substantially free of a second contaminant that was present, during formation of the first epitaxial structure, in a chamber in which the first epitaxial structure was formed.
US08309982B2
Provided is a group-III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device which has a high level of crystallinity and superior internal quantum efficiency and which is capable of enabling acquisition of high level light emission output, and a manufacturing method thereof, and a lamp. An AlN seed layer composed of a group-III nitride based compound is laminated on a substrate 11, and on this AlN seed layer, there are sequentially laminated each layer of an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer respectively composed of a group-III nitride semiconductor, wherein the full width at half-maximum of the X-ray rocking curve of the (0002) plane of the p-type semiconductor layer 16 is 60 arcsec or less, and the full width at half-maximum of the X-ray rocking curve of the (10-10) plane is 250 arcsec or less.
US08309975B2
In a semiconductor light emitting device, in which a light emitting layer is formed on one surface of a conductive substrate, and an n-type electrode and a p-type electrode are formed on the same side as the light emitting layer, there has been the problem that, if larger electric power is applied, heat is generated near the n-side electrode to reduce luminous efficiency. The n-side electrode has a predetermined length at a corner portion or along an edge of the substrate to disperse a current flowing from the n-side electrode into the substrate, thereby avoiding heat generation near the n-side electrode. In this type of semiconductor light emitting element, the existence of the n-side electrode reduces a light emitting area. Therefore, the length of the n-side electrode preferably ranges from 20% to 50% of the entire peripheral length of the substrate.
US08309974B2
To provide a light emitting diode package of which the height of protrusion of a thermal via is decreased without decreasing the flexural strength of an insulating substrate.A light emitting diode package comprising a light emitting diode element mounted on a substrate, wherein the substrate is obtained by firing a glass ceramic composition containing a powder of glass containing, as represented by mole percentage, from 57 to 65% of SiO2, from 13 to 18% of B2O3, from 9 to 23% of CaO, from 3 to 8% of Al2O3 and from 0.5 to 6% of at least one of K2O and Na2O in total, and a ceramic filler.
US08309972B2
Aspects include electrodes that provide specified reflectivity attributes for light generated from an active region of a Light Emitting Diode (LED). LEDs that incorporate such electrode aspects. Other aspects include methods for forming such electrodes, LEDs including such electrodes, and structures including such LEDs.
US08309970B2
A method of manufacturing a vertical structure light emitting diode device, the method including: sequentially forming a first conductivity type III-V group compound semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductivity type III-V group compound semiconductor layer on a substrate for growth; bonding a conductive substrate to the second conductivity type III-V group compound semiconductor layer; removing the substrate for growth from the first conductivity type III-V group compound semiconductor layer; and forming an electrode on an exposed portion of the first conductive III-V group compound semiconductor layer due to the removing the substrate for growth, wherein the bonding a conductive substrate comprises partially heating a metal bonding layer by applying microwaves to a bonding interface while bringing the metal bonding layer into contact with the bonding interface.
US08309960B2
A display device includes a plurality of thin-film transistors formed on a substrate on which a display area is formed. At least one of the plurality of thin-film transistors includes a gate electrode, agate insulating film formed to cover the gate electrode, an interlayer insulating film formed on an upper surface of the gate insulating film and having an opening formed in an area where the gate electrode is formed in plan view, a pair of heavily-doped semiconductor films arranged on an upper surface of the interlayer insulating film with the opening interposed therebetween, a polycrystalline semiconductor film formed across the opening and formed in the area, the polycrystalline semiconductor film being electrically connected to the pair of heavily-doped semiconductor films, and a pair of electrodes formed to overlap the pair of heavily-doped semiconductor films, respectively, without overlapping the polycrystalline semiconductor film.
US08309955B2
An electronic or electro-optic device has a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and a dielectric layer disposed between the first and second electrodes. The dielectric layer has electrically insulating planar layers with intercalated ions therebetween such that the electrically insulating planar layers provide a barrier to impede movement of the intercalated ions to the first and second electrodes under an applied voltage while permitting a polarization of the dielectric layer while in operation.
US08309953B2
An electronic device is presented, such as a thin film transistor. The device comprises a patterned electrically-conductive layer associated with an active element of the electronic device. The electrically-conductive layer has a pattern defining an array of spaced-apart electrically conductive regions. This technique allows for increasing an electric current through the device.
US08309948B2
In the nitride semiconductor device of the present invention, an active layer 12 is sandwiched between a p-type nitride semiconductor layer 11 and an n-type nitride semiconductor layer 13. The active layer 12 has, at least, a barrier layer 2a having an n-type impurity; a well layer 1a made of a nitride semiconductor that includes In; and a barrier layer 2c that has a p-type impurity, or that has been grown without being doped. An appropriate injection of carriers into the active layer 12 becomes possible by arranging the barrier layer 2c nearest to the p-type layer side.
US08309945B2
Programmable metallization memory cells having a planarized silver electrode and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The programmable metallization memory cells include a first metal contact and a second metal contact, an ion conductor solid electrolyte material is between the first metal contact and the second metal contact, and either a silver alloy doping electrode separates the ion conductor solid electrolyte material from the first metal contact or the second metal contact, or a silver doping electrode separates the ion conductor solid electrolyte material from the first metal contact. The silver electrode includes a silver layer and a metal seed layer separating the silver layer from the first metal contact.
US08309939B2
When a predetermined region of a target volume is divided into multiple layers in a depth direction of particle beams and particle beams are irradiated, dose calibration is carried out separately for the divided layers.
US08309934B2
In accordance with the principles of the present invention utilizing a first radiation monitoring module, radiation information associated with the first radiation monitoring module within a tunnel is wirelessly transmitted to a second radiation monitoring module. The second radiation monitoring module is able to receive radiation information from the first radiation monitoring module for relay of the received radiation information to a central monitoring system. The radiation monitoring modules of the present invention allow long term monitoring of a tunnel's radiation levels with maintenance simply requiring replacement of a non-operational tunnel monitoring module by a robot.
US08309930B2
A method and apparatus for enhanced THz radiation coupling to molecules, includes the steps of depositing a test material near the discontinuity edges of a slotted member, and enhancing the THz radiation by transmitting THz radiation through the slots. The molecules of the test material are illuminated by the enhanced THz radiation that has been transmitted through the slots, thereby producing an increased coupling of EM radiation in the THz spectral range to said material. The molecules can be bio-molecules, explosive materials, or species of organisms. The slotted member can be a semiconductor film, a metallic film, in particular InSb, or layers thereof. THz detectors sense near field THz radiation that has been transmitted through said slots and the test material.
US08309926B2
A pulsed-laser beam detector with improved sun and temperature compensation. The detector includes a plurality of photo detectors, an ambient temperature sensor, a sun exposure filter and a mirroring circuit, a microcontroller unit that includes pre-stored values in a database and an algorithm—decision logic, a time base circuit that feeds microcontroller, an adjustable gain amplifier, a threshold setting circuit, a peak detector circuit, a comparator circuit, and a noise cancellation circuit. The gain of the amplifier is adjustable in real time to predetermined values, and the gain depends on the measured values from the detectors, and temperature sensor, that are preprocessed if necessary, and compared with the values already stored in the microcontroller unit and subjected to the program logic stored in the microcontroller that determines the gain of the amplifier.
US08309911B2
In a mass spectrometer, a dual stage axial extraction field is applied to transport ions from an accumulator to a detector cell. Ions of a same mass may be transported to the detector cell or a point axially preceding the detector cell at the same time. This may be done by selecting the relative strengths of a first axial electric field applied to the accumulator and a second axial electric field applied to a shutter located at an exit end of the accumulator. This may also be done by selecting relative axial lengths of the accumulator, shutter, and an ion guide located at an exit end of the shutter. A dual stage decelerating field may also be applied to slow ions down prior to and after entering the detector cell.
US08309909B2
An AtomChip device and a method for trapping, manipulating and measuring atoms in ultra high vacuum chamber, and for increasing the lifetime of the trapped atoms, the AtomChip device including at least one conductive element, made of metal, wherein at least part of the metal is a dilute alloy metal, and wherein the at least one conductive element has a low working temperature.
US08309895B2
A device for clamping and unclamping of tools comprising a tool shaft, by which device a sleeve section (2) of a tool holder (1) comprising a centric receiver opening (4) for a shaft (5) of a rotation tool is inductively heated, which sleeve section retains the shaft (5) of the tool seated in the receiver opening (4) in a press fit, and releases it upon heat up, which device comprises an induction coil assembly with at least one induction coil (6), which can be fed by an electric current for heating the sleeve section (2), and which comprises a concentrator body (11), which is magnetically conductive and electrically nonconductive or substantially electrically nonconductive, which concentrates the magnetic flux of the induction coil (6) onto the portion of the tool side end of the sleeve section (2), wherein the concentrator body (11) supports an induction attachment (14) made of electrically conductive material.
US08309884B2
The present invention is to provide a laser irradiation apparatus for forming a laser beam which has a shape required for the annealing and which has homogeneous energy distribution, by providing a slit at an image-formation position of a diffractive optical element, wherein the slit has a slit opening whose length is changeable.The laser irradiation apparatus comprises a laser oscillator, a diffractive optical element, and a slit, wherein the slit has a slit opening whose length in a major-axis direction thereof is changeable, wherein a laser beam is delivered obliquely to a substrate, and wherein the laser beam is a continuous wave solid-state, gas, or metal laser, or a pulsed laser with a repetition frequency of 10 MHz or more.
US08309879B2
The present invention relates to an ultrashort pulse laser processing device. The ultrashort pulse laser includes a stage a transfer member, a front confocal microscope, a front laser generating unit, and a front highpowered lens. A sample is provided on the stage to be processed, the transfer member transfers the stage, and the front confocal microscope is provided above the stage. The front laser generating unit is provided between the front confocal microscope and the stage to generate an ultrashort pulse laser, and the front high-powered lens focuses the laser provided from the front laser generating unit.
US08309875B2
An apparatus for making bores in a turbine blade edge is provided. The apparatus includes a drilling device and a guide for the drilling device. The guide includes a bearing element with a gap which is delimited by bearing faces and has the shape of a turbine blade edge. Further, the apparatus includes two guide modules which lie opposite one another and are brought to bear with a side face of the turbine blade and which together form a tension device for fixing the guide on the turbine blade. Furthermore, a method for making bores in a turbine blade edge using such an apparatus is provided.
US08309874B2
A method and apparatus for heating or cooling a fluid. An inlet conduit coupled to a plurality of distribution nozzles in fluid communication with a channel at the periphery of the apparatus. An insert and a sleeve cooperatively define a thin gap, in fluid communication with the channel, through which the fluid flows. Thermal inserts near the thin gap generate heat flux into or out of the fluid, which exits through an outlet conduit.
US08309866B2
Apparatus for changing a position of device for measuring a weight of an object. The apparatus includes a conveyor portion, a measuring portion which also conveys the object and measures a weight of the object, and a pair of rails which extend along a conveying direction of the object and onto which the conveying and measuring portions are movably attached.
US08309858B2
A substrate includes a functional element. An insulating first film forms a cavity which stores the functional element, together with the substrate, and includes a plurality of through-holes. An insulating second film covers the plurality of through-holes, is formed on the first film, and has a gas permeability which is higher than that of the first film. An insulating third film is formed on the second film and has a gas permeability which is lower than the second film. An insulating fourth film is formed on the third film and has an elasticity which is larger than the third film.
US08309848B2
A fastening system for fastening a plate within an enclosure for electric installations includes an elongated holder and a support member arranged to be fastened to the holder with a snap-in fastening device. The snap-in fastening device is arranged to fasten the support member detachably to the holder in a direction perpendicular relative to the longitudinal direction of the holder and includes a locking device for fastening the support member to the holder at different points along the holder. The snap-in fastening device includes a flexible catch configured to yield in a direction perpendicular relative to the longitudinal direction of the holder, in order to provide adequate support to a plate to be installed within the enclosure. The locking device includes at least one locking element arranged to keep the support member locked in the longitudinal direction of the holder substantially inflexibly.
US08309845B2
An oil-filled, pad-mounted tank for electrical distribution transformers, where the tank includes a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side panels, a top panel, and a bottom panel that are joined to form an enclosed volume for receiving a transformer core and windings and a quantity of insulating oil. The side panels include a plurality of side panel sections that may include both curved and flat panel sections. Each side panel includes at least one curved panel section that is curved concavely and at least one curved panel section that is curved convexly. Each side panel section may also include one or more flat panel sections.
US08309828B1
A novel maize variety designated 10982360 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 10982360 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10982360 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10982360, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10982360. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10982360.
US08309823B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH116894. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH116894, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH116894 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 CH116894.
US08309820B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH941858. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH941858, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH941858 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 CH941858.
US08309818B2
The invention provides specific transgenic cotton plants, plant material and seeds, characterized in that these products harbor a specific transformation event at a specific location in the cotton genome. Tools are also provided which allow rapid and unequivocal identification of the event in biological samples.
US08309814B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024213. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024213. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024213 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024213 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08309810B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1019993. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1019993. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1019993 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1019993 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08309809B2
A soybean cultivar designated S090020 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090020, to the plants of soybean S090020, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S090020, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S090020 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S090020, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090020, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S090020 with another soybean cultivar.
US08309801B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB09F10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB09F10, cells from soybean variety XB09F10, plants of soybean XB09F10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB09F10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB09F10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB09F10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB09F10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB09F10 are further provided.
US08309795B2
A method for the secretory production of a glycoprotein having a human-type sugar chain, comprising a step of introducing a gene of an enzyme capable of performing a transfer reaction of a galactose residue to a non-reducing terminal acetylglucosamine residue, and a gene of heterologous glycoprotein, to obtain a transformed plant cell, a step of culturing the plant cell, and a step of recovering the culture medium of the plant cell.
US08309792B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-human gene-disrupted animal with a disrupted ADAM11 gene. According to the present invention, a non-human gene-disrupted animal, wherein either one of or both alleles of an ADAM11 gene are disrupted, is provided.
US08309782B2
The invention relates to a process for dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon feedstock in the presence of a catalyst that comprises a noble metal M that is selected from the group that consists of platinum, palladium, rhodium, and iridium, at least one promoter X1 that is selected from the group that consists of tin, germanium, and lead, and optionally a promoter X2 that is selected from the group that consists of gallium, indium and thallium, an alkaline or alkaline-earth compound and a porous substrate, in which the atomic ratio X1/M and optionally X2/M is between 0.3 and 8, the Hir/M ratio that is measured by hydrogen adsorption is greater than 0.40, and the bimetallicity index BMI that is measured by hydrogen/oxygen titration is greater than 108.
US08309781B2
A process for the production of C3-C6 light olefins from ethanol is described, and said process comprises at least the passage of a feedstock that contains ethanol into at least one reaction unit that is provided with at least one catalyst that comes in the form of spherical balls with a diameter of between 1 and 3 mm, each of said spherical balls comprising at least one zeolite and at least one alumina-based substrate and having a pore distribution such that the macropore volume that is measured by mercury porosimetry is between 0.10 and 0.20 ml/g and the mesopore volume that is measured by mercury porosimetry is between 0.25 and 0.35 ml/g.
US08309778B2
The present invention provides a catalyst comprising metallic Pt and/or Pd supported on a binder-free zeolite for producing light aromatic hydrocarbons and light alkanes from hydrocarbonaceous feedstock, wherein the amount of metallic Pt and/or Pd is of 0.01-0.8 wt %, preferably 0.01-0.5 wt % on the basis of the total weight of the catalyst, and the binder-free zeolite is selected from the group consisting of mordenite, beta zeolite, Y zeolite, ZSM-5, ZSM-11 and composite or cocrystal zeolite thereof. The present invention also provides a process for producing light aromatic hydrocarbons and light alkanes from hydrocarbonaceous feedstock using said catalyst.
US08309766B2
The present invention relates to novel phenyl-N-acyl derivatives of biogenic amines and amino acids of general formula (I) as cyclooxynease inhibitors, possessing analgetic and anti-inflammatory properties and devoid of side effects in particular ulcerogeneity and pro-spasmodic actions, as well as capability to potentiate effect of other analgetics, and possessing in addition antihypoxic, antidepressant and anti-Parkinsonistic action; as well as to the processes for the preparation novel and known phenyl-N-acyl derivatives of biogenic amines, to a pharmaceutical composition and to an agent comprising compounds of general formula (I) as well as to use thereof and a method of treating.
US08309763B2
The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid from 3-methylselenoproprion-aldehyde. The 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid is obtained alone or as a mixture with its sulphur-containing analogue. The invention also relates to the compositions, in particular nutritional compositions, comprising a mixture of 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid and 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid, and a physiologically acceptable medium, and to the use of this mixture as a dietary ingredient.
US08309760B2
Disclosed herein is a process for purifying aryl carboxylic acids, in particular terephthalic acid, wherein the impure acid is dissolved or dispersed in an ionic liquid and a non-solvent is added to precipitate the purified acid. The present disclosure further relates to compositions comprising terephthalic acid and one or more ionic liquids.
US08309759B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing ether carboxylates.
US08309757B2
This invention provides an integrated two stage economical process for the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) from acetic acid in the vapor phase. First, acetic acid is selectively hydrogenated over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethylene either in a single reactor zone or in a dual rector zone wherein the intermediate hydrogenated products are either dehydrated and/or cracked to form ethylene. In a subsequent second stage so formed ethylene is reacted with molecular oxygen and acetic acid over a suitable catalyst to form VAM. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over a hydrogenation catalyst and subsequent reaction over a dehydration catalyst selectively produces ethylene, which is further mixed with acetic acid and molecular oxygen and reacted over a supported palladium/gold/potassium catalyst.
US08309746B2
The invention relates to processes for preparing 17-alkynyl-7-hydroxy-steroids, such as 17-Ethynyl-10R,13S-dimethyl 2,3,4,7,8R,9S, 10,11,12,13,14S,15,16,17-hexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3R, 7R,17S-triol (also referred to as 17α-ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol), that are essentially free of process impurities having binding activity at nuclear estrogen receptors.
US08309745B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a lipase activity inhibitor that shows high inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase to suppress the absorption of meal-derived fat and/or which contributes to suppressing and preventing obesity, as well as a food or beverage that has such lipase activity inhibitor incorporated therein. Another object of the invention is to provide a lipase inhibitor of tea origin that suits most consumers' taste and which will not impair the flavor of the food or beverage when incorporated therein. Still another object of the invention is to provide a process for producing said lipase inhibitors. Further object of the invention is to provide antioxidants. To attain these objects, epigallocatechin dimers (oolong homobisflavans) or trimers are incorporated in foods or beverages. As a result, the absorption of meal-derived fat can be suppressed and, in addition, antioxidation effect is obtained. The compounds of the invention can be produced by reacting epigallocatechin gallate with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid.
US08309742B2
The present invention relates to the preparation of compounds of the general formula II which can be obtained by 1,4 addition of 2-oxoalkanoates or 2-oxocarboxylic acids onto the appropriate ketones. The present invention also relates to the use of the PigD protein for catalysis of 1,4 additions of 2-oxoalkanoates/-carboxylic acids, for example pyruvate/pyruvic acid or 2-oxobutyrate/2-oxobutyric acid, onto aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones. The 1,4 additions are effected here with CO2 elimination. The use of the PigD protein as a catalyst in the aforementioned 1,4 additions enables the synthesis of addition products with stereoactive centers these addition products being preparable with an enantiomeric excess of more than 80% ee. The aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones which are suitable for the process are represented by the general formula I:
US08309740B2
The present invention relates to a method for one-pot synthesis of ionic liquid with fluoroalkyl group, more particularly to a method for one-pot synthesis of ionic liquid with fluoroalkyl group represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 by adding and reacting a nitrogen-containing compound, a Brønsted acid of the formula YH and a fluoroolefin compound of the formula CFR1═CR2R3 in a single reactor: wherein represents a nitrogen-containing compound; Y− represents an anion of the Brønsted acid; and R1, R2 and R3, which may be same or different, represent hydrogen, fluorine, C1-C10 alkyl or C1-C10 fluoroalkyl having from 1 to 23 fluorine atoms.
US08309727B2
An improved opiate synthesis scheme is provided. An improvement to the oxidation of oripavine and oripavine derivatives comprises the in-situ formation of the peroxacids required to oxidize the oripavine and oripavine derivatives to form an intermediate. An improvement to the reduction of the intermediate to form oxycodone and oxycodone derivatives comprises reduction utilizing a hydrogen transfer reagent. These improvements allow the production of oxycodone and oxycodone derivatives without isolation of the intermediate, providing a one-pot synthesis method.
US08309726B2
The present invention provides novel anthranilic acid derivative useful as potential anticancer agent. More particularly, the present invention relates novel anthranilic acid derivative of general formula (8), R′=alkyl-2-methoxyphenyl piperazine or benzyl; R=2-methoxyphenyl, piperazine, 2-pyridyl piperazine-1-yl, 2-pyrimidyl piperazine-1-yl, 4-quinazolinyl piperazine-1-yl, 9H-9-fluorenylamine, 4-{(2{amino-5-(methoxy)-4-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)-hexahydro-1-pyrazinyl], and [(4[2-amino-4-(benzyloxy)-5-methoxybenzoyl]aminophenyl)-sulfonyl]-4-benzamine; X═H or pyrazine-2-carbonyl. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of novel anthranilic acid derivative of general formula (8), which is useful as potential anticancer agent.
US08309725B2
The present subject matter relates to perhydroquinoxaline derivates, processes for their preparation, their use for the preparation of a medicament and medicaments containing perhydroquinoxaline derivates. The perhydroquinoxaline derivates presently disclosed are those according to the general formula 1:
US08309724B2
There is provided an improved process for the preparation of Sitagliptin of Formula II by reduction of compound of Formula VIII to Formula IX followed by deprotection of Formula IX to afford Sitagliptin of Formula II.
US08309722B2
The present invention provides methods for the preparation of substituted heterocycle fused gamma-carbolines, intermediates useful in producing them and methods for producing such intermediates and such heterocycle fused gamma-carbolines.
US08309713B2
A novel process for preparing a compound of formula (I) which comprises converting a compound of formula (II) to a compound of formula (I) via a compound of formula (III), or a salt thereof, without isolating any intermediates.
US08309711B2
The method of forming a filter cake from a slurry comprising the steps of feeding the slurry into a filter housing, wherein the filter housing includes a plurality of vertical filter elements; pressing the slurry into the filter housing against the filter elements resulting in i) a filtrate passing through the filter elements and exiting out an exhaust port of the filter housing; ii) forming a solid cake on the filter elements; feeding a wash liquid into the filter housing while draining out the slurry by opening the slurry drain valve; closing the slurry drain valve and then continually feeding wash liquid through the cake and into the filter tube of the filter housing; stopping the feed of wash liquid; introducing a gas into the filter housing and draining out the wash liquid by opening a bottom drain valve; stopping the gas flow and opening a drain to exit most of the gas and remaining wash liquid; opening the bottom cake discharge valve; and back pulsing by a gas to break and to release the filter cake from the filter elements of the filter housing.
US08309692B2
Novel polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17, a novel cytokine receptor. The polypeptides may be used within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The polynucleotides encoding zcytor17, are located on chromosome 5, and can be used to identify a region of the genome associated with human disease states. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.
US08309686B2
Modified neurotoxins that contain protease cleavage sites susceptible uniquely to proteases present in certain tissues are described. The toxins can be selectively activated by proteases in muscle or selectively inactivated by proteases in blood.
US08309680B2
The present invention provides, among other things, segmented, degradable polymeric reagents suitable for reaction with biologically active agents to form conjugates, the polymeric reagents comprising one or more polymer chains divided or separated by one or more degradable linkages into polymer segments having a molecular weight suitable for renal clearance. The polymeric reagents can have a substantially linear structure, a branched structure, or a multiarm structure. Each structure includes one or more linkages capable of degradation in vivo.
US08309672B2
Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving soluble conjugated polymers are provided. The conjugated polymers have a sufficient density of polar substituents to render them soluble in a polar medium, for example water and/or methanol. The conjugated polymer may desirably comprise monomers which alter its conductivity properties. In some embodiments, the inventors have provided cationic conjugated polymers (CCPs) comprising both solubilizing groups and conductive groups, resulting in conductive conjugated polymers soluble in polar media. The different solubility properties of these polymers allow their deposition in solution in multilayer formats with other conjugated polymers. Also provided are articles of manufacture comprising multiple layers of conjugated polymers having differing solubility characteristics. Embodiments of the invention are described further herein.
US08309668B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing a superabsorbent a polymer comprises (I) producing a pure (meth)acrylic acid comprising the steps of (a) synthesizing a crude (meth)acrylic acid phase; (b) distillatively working-up the crude (meth)acrylic acid phase to obtain a (meth)acrylic acid phase and a dimer phase comprising (meth)acrylic acid dimers or (meth)acrylic acid oligomers or both; (c) splitting at least a part of the (meth)acrylic acid dimers or of the (meth)acrylic acid oligomers or both from the dimer phase to obtain a (meth)acrylic acid-comprising low boiling phase and a high boiling phase comprising less (meth)acrylic acid than the low boiling phase; (d) separating at least a part of the (meth)acrylic acid from the low boiling phase to obtain a pure (meth)acrylic acid, and a residue; (II) polymerizing a monomer phase comprising the pure (meth)acrylic acid to obtain a polymer phase; and (III) working-up the polymer phase to obtain the polymer.
US08309650B2
The present invention provides pressure-sensitive adhesives having a refractive index of at least 1.50. The pressure-sensitive adhesives comprise at least one monomer containing a substituted or an unsubstituted carbazole group.
US08309649B2
The present invention relates to silylated amino resins, to processes for preparing them, to their use, and to coating compositions comprising them.
US08309647B2
Spherical particles having a mean diameter in the range from 1 to 20 μm, comprising (a) from 85 to 99% by weight of a crosslinked random copolymer having a glass transition temperature Tg in the range from −75 to −40° C. (b) and from 1 to 15% by weight of at least one organic substance selected from waxes, protective colloids and plasticizers.
US08309642B2
A method for dissolving an aramid polymer in sulfuric acid using a double shaft kneader, comprising the steps: dosing the polymer and the solvent into the kneader, mixing the polymer and the solvent to dissolve the polymer in the solvent for obtaining a solution, degassing the solution to obtain a spin dope, and transporting the spin dope out of the kneader, wherein the polymer is an aramid polymer and the solvent is sulfuric acid, and whereby the aramid polymer is dosed into the kneader prior to dosing the sulfuric acid into the kneader.
US08309636B2
There are provided a flame-retardant resin composition for a multilayer wiring board and a multilayer wiring board having the same. The flame-retardant resin composition for a multilayer wiring board according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a composite epoxy resin including a naphthalene modified epoxy resin, a cresol novolac epoxy resin, a rubber modified epoxy resin and a phosphorous-based epoxy resin, as well as a flame retardant represented by a specific chemical formula. The flame-retardant resin composition for a multilayer wiring board and the multilayer wiring board having the same disclosed herein exhibits excellent flame retardancy, moisture resistance and peel strength.
US08309635B2
The invention is directed to various alkylaryl phosphite compositions that ideally are suitable for use as secondary antioxidants in polymers. In one aspect, the phosphite composition comprises a tris(monoalkylaryl)phosphite in an amount from 51 to 95 weight percent; and at least one of: a bis(monoalkylaryl)dialkylaryl phosphite; a bis(dialkylaryl)monoalkylaryl phosphite; and a tris(dialkylaryl)phosphite. The inventive phosphite composition is a solid at ambient conditions. The invention also relates to alkylate compositions and processes for forming such alkylate compositions and such phosphite compositions.
US08309634B2
The present invention includes a monofilament obtainable by extruding a composition comprising: (a) at least one vinylidene chloride polymer/methyl acrylate interpolymer having at most about 6 weight percent methyl acrylate mer units in the polymer; and (b) at least about three weight percent total plasticizer, of which about 0.5 weight percent based on total composition weight is an epoxy plasticizer or combination thereof through a die such that monofilament is formed. Optionally, and preferably in extruders wherein the composition of (a) and (b) exhibits less uniformity in extrusion than is desired, at least one methacrylic polymer is also added. The invention also includes a process of extruding a composition of at least (a) and (b) to form a monofilament.
US08309633B2
The present invention relates to low temperature, cationically curable compositions with improved cure speed and toughness.
US08309631B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fiber reinforced composite material combining good properties such as toughness and impact resistance and to provide an epoxy resin composition to obtain this. This object is achieved by the an epoxy resin composition comprising the following [A], [B], [C], and [D]: [A] a diglycidyl ether-type epoxy resin having a molecular weight of 1,500 or more; [B] an epoxy resin in which an SP value of a structural unit thereof is greater by 1.5 to 6.5 than an SP value of a structural unit of [A]; [C] a diglycidyl ether-type epoxy resin having a molecular weight of 500 to 1,200; and [D] an epoxy resin curing agent, in a ratio that satisfies the following formulas (1) to (4): 0.2≦A/(A+B+C+E)≦0.6; (1), 0.2≦B/(A+B+C+E)≦0.6; (2), 0.15≦C/(A+B+C+E)≦0.4; and (3), 0≦E/(A+B+C+E)≦0.2, (4) wherein A, B, and C represent weights of [A], [B], and [C], respectively, and E represents a weight of an epoxy resin other than [A], [B], and [C].
US08309630B2
A polymer-encapsulated pigment and a method of modifying a pigment use functional groups of an interface layer to attach a polymer to a pigment composition. The polymer-encapsulated pigment includes a pigment composition, a polymer and an interface layer. In the polymer-encapsulated pigment and the method, the interface layer is covalently attached to an outer surface of the pigment composition. The polymer is attached to the interface layer with a linking group. The linking group is attached to the interface layer by a covalent bond of a functional group. The linking group includes a nucleophilic carbon atom to which the polymer is covalently attached.
US08309624B2
This invention relates to a blend comprising:(A) about 80% by weight to about 99.99% by weight of at least one polyester comprising terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and(B) about 0.01% by weight to about 20% by weight of at least one antimicrobial agent;said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the blend.
US08309621B2
Disclosed is a radiation curable solid ink composition comprising: (a) a curable wax; (b) at least one curable monomer, oligomer, or prepolymer; (c) at least one photoinitiator; and (d) a pigment colorant; wherein the ink is a solid at a first temperature of about 25° C. or lower; and wherein the ink is a liquid at a second temperature of about 40° C. or higher; said ink being curable by free-radical polymerization.
US08309618B2
Catalytic depolymerization of polymers containing electrophilic linkages using nucleophilic reagents
The disclosure relates to methods and materials useful for depolymerizing a polymer. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosure provides a method for depolymerizing a polymer containing electrophilic linkages, wherein the method comprises contacting the polymer with a nucleophilic reagent in the presence of a guanidine-containing compound. The methods and materials of the disclosure find utility, for example, in the field of waste reclamation and recycling.
US08309616B2
A new method of producing liquid transportation fuels from coal and other hydrocarbons that significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions by combining Fischer-Tropsch synthesis with catalytic dehydrogenation is claimed. Catalytic dehydrogenation (CDH) of the gaseous products (C1-C4) of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) can produce large quantities of hydrogen while converting the carbon to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Incorporation of CDH into a FTS-CDH plant converting coal to liquid fuels can eliminate all or most of the CO2 emissions from the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction that is currently used to elevate the H2 level of coal-derived syngas for FTS. Additionally, the FTS-CDH process saves large amounts of water used by the WGS reaction and produces a valuable by-product, MWCNT.
US08309615B2
An aqueous silica dispersion containing silica particles dispersed in an aqueous medium is provided. The surfaces of the silica particles are treated with reacted aminosilane compound. The aqueous silica dispersion also contains anionic polymeric dispersing agent. The dispersion of the silica particles into an aqueous medium containing both anionic polymeric dispersing agent and aminosilane compound allows the preparation of aqueous silica dispersions at higher solids and/or low viscosities than aqueous silica dispersions that are prepared without either the anionic polymeric dispersing agent or the aminosilane compound. The aqueous silica dispersion is combinable with aqueous emulsion polymers to modify the physical or appearance properties of articles formed from the emulsion polymer.
US08309614B2
The invention relates to the use of Polycefin-LLL nanoconjugate as a means of cytoplasmic delivery of drugs. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a drug delivery molecule, comprising a polymerized carboxylic acid molecular scaffold covalently linked to L-leucylleucylleucine. In another embodiment, the Polycefin-LLL includes drug antisense morpholino oligos, targeting antibodies, and a pH-sensitive endosome escape unit. In addition, the drug could be siRNA, microRNA, and aptamer.
US08309611B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating lung cancer by cyclohexenone compounds.
US08309603B2
This invention is directed to a feed composition and method of affecting the carcass composition by increasing the lean mass, reducing the fat mass, and/or reducing the percent fat mass comprising SARM compounds.
US08309597B2
The present invention relates to compounds defined by formula (I) wherein the group R is defined as in claim 1, possessing valuable pharmacological activity. Particularly the compounds are inhibitors of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) 1 and thus are suitable for treatment and prevention of diseases which can be influenced by inhibition of this enzyme, such as metabolic diseases.
US08309596B2
The present invention relates to the crystal structure of the serine protease kallikrein 7 and to the use of this crystal structure in drug discovery. The present invention also relates to compounds binding specifically to this active site of kallikrein 7.
US08309593B2
A compound for use in treating polycystic kidney disease is represented by Structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method of treating polycystic kidney disease in a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods of treating in polycystic kidney disease in a subject in need thereof respectively comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08309586B2
Disclosed are new compounds of formula (1) exhibiting excellent activity for glucokinase, pharmaceutical compositions having the same as an active ingredient, and a method of using the same as an active ingredient for lowering blood glucose level: in which the substituents are as defined herein.
US08309576B2
The present invention provides a method of improving or treating inflammatory bowel disease through suppression of the expression of inflammatory cytokines based on the action mechanism of suppression of NF-κB activation by administering feruloyl serotonin to a subject in need of treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The feruloyl serotonin of the present invention can be administered as a pharmaceutical agent or a food.
US08309560B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides chemoprotectant compositions that each comprise at least two of the chemoprotectants disclosed herein. The chemoprotectant compositions of the invention are useful, for example, for ameliorating at least one adverse effect of chemotherapy. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of ameliorating at least one adverse effect of chemotherapy, the methods each comprising the step of administering to a subject undergoing chemotherapy an amount of a chemoprotectant composition that is effective to ameliorate at least one adverse effect of the chemotherapy.
US08309556B2
The invention relates to the use of compounds derived from pyrimidinetrione of general formula (I) as acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. The invention also relates to the use of said compounds as insecticides, and to compositions containing the same.
US08309550B2
Described herein are compounds that are inhibitors of one or more protein kinases. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein. Also described herein are methods of using such protein kinase inhibitors, alone and in combination with other compounds, for conditions or diseases mediated or dependent upon protein kinases.
US08309549B2
The invention relates to compositions comprising 2-(5-(4-(2-morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)pyridin-2-yl)-N-benzylacetamide and its mesylate and dihydrochloride salts. The invention provides an efficient process for the synthesis of 2-(5-(4-(2-morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)pyridin-2-yl)-N-benzylacetamide and its mesylate and dihydrochloride salts and methods for modulating one or more components of a kinase cascade using the compositions of the invention. The present invention also provides a novel polymorph of the mesylate salt of 2-(5-(4-(2-morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)pyridin-2-yl)-N-benzylacetamide (Form A), characterized by a unique X-ray diffraction pattern and Differential Scanning Calorimetry profile, as well as a unique crystalline structure.
US08309547B2
Provided are process for the preparation of (R)- and/or (S)-Rivaroxaban, and compounds which are intermediate compounds used in the processes for the preparation of (R)- and/or (S)-Rivaroxaban.
US08309536B2
A bone implant comprises an active agent on at least a portion thereof. The active agent is locally deliverable to bone proximate the implant in at least a two-phased release scheme. A first phase rapidly releases a first quantity of the active agent, and at least a second phase gradually releases a second quantity of the active agent, whereby bone formation stimulated by the active agent is modulated. In one embodiment, a porous implant comprises a porous portion coated with a calcium phosphate compound and which is contacted with a bisphosphonate compound to form a bisphosphonate layer chemically bound to the calcium phosphate at the surface of the porous portion and to form bisphosphonate molecules being non-chemically attached inside the pores of the porous portion. The non-chemically attached bisphosphonate molecules are released in the subject at a rate greater than that of the chemically bound bisphosphonate layer.
US08309518B2
Bioactive molecules are entrapped within a matrix for the controlled delivery of these compounds for therapeutic healing applications. The matrix may be formed of natural or synthetic compounds. The primary method of entrapment of the bioactive molecule is through precipitation of the bioactive molecule during gelation of the matrix, either in vitro or in vivo. The bioactive molecule may be modified to reduce its effective solubility in the matrix to retain it more effectively within the matrix, such as through the deglycosylation of members within the cystine knot growth factor superfamily and particularly within the TGFβ superfamily. The matrix may be modified to include sites with binding affinity for different bioactive molecules, for example, for heparin binding.
US08309516B2
Compositions and methods for controlling plant pests are disclosed. In particular, novel engineered hybrid insecticidal proteins (eHIPs) having toxicity to at least corn rootworm are provided. By fusing unique combinations of complete or partial variable regions and conserved blocks of at least two different Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry proteins or a modified Cry proteins an eHIP having activity against corn rootworm is designed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel eHIPs are also provided. Methods of making the eHIPs and methods of using the eHIPs and nucleic acids encoding the eHIPs of the invention, for example in transgenic plants to confer protection from insect damage are also disclosed.
US08309514B2
Disclosed herein are transmembrane transporter compounds containing guanidinium groups to enhance transport across biomembranes. Therapeutic and other biologically active moieties may be attached to the compounds. The transmembrane transporter compounds may include peptide nucleic acid monomer units.
US08309513B2
The present invention relates to the use of an antisecretory protein or a derivative, homologue, and/or fragment thereof, having antisecretory activity, and/or a pharmaceutically active salt thereof, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition and/or a medical food for the treatment and/or prevention of compartment syndrome. A compartment syndrome may be caused by or a cause of a variety of other conditions which are also encompassed by the present invention, such as viral and bacterial infections. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the treatment and/or prevention of compartment syndrome in a mammal in need thereof.
US08309503B2
The present invention is directed to a pMDI release agent that is simple to manufacture and use, provides release between the board and the metal surfaces, allows for production of OSB at high temperature, without causing excessive press buildup and improves the board physical properties and shortens press time. The release agent composition for use with a pMDI adhesive comprises a mixture of: (a) a sodium salt of a fatty acid having at least 8 carbon atoms, and (b) a sodium salt of a phosphate ester having 8-12 carbon atoms.
US08309501B2
Provided are ethylene-based copolymers, methods of preparing the same, lubricating oil compositions including the same, methods for preparing such lubricating oil compositions, and end uses for such ethylene-based copolymers and lubricating oil compositions. The ethylene-based copolymers may include less than about 80 wt. % of units derived from ethylene and one or more alpha-olefin comonomers having 3 to 20 carbon atoms. The ethylene-based copolymers have a melting peak (Tm), as measured by DSC, of 80° C. or less, and a polydispersity index of about 2.8 or less. In some embodiments, the ethylene-based copolymers have an intramolecular composition distribution of about 50 wt. % or less and/or an intermolecular composition distribution of about 50 wt. % or less.
US08309499B2
A lubricating oil composition for internal combustion engines, containing a base oil, (A) at least one compound selected from disulfide compounds represented by the following general formula (I): R1OOC-A1-S—S-A2-COOR2 (I) and disulfide compounds represented by the following general formula (II): R7OOC—CR9R10—CR11(COOR8)—S—S—CR16(COOR13)—CR14R15—COOR12 (II), (B) an organomolybdenum compound, and (C) a phenol-based antioxidant and/or an amine-based antioxidant. The lubricating oil composition is a low ash, low phosphorus lubricating oil composition which is used for internal combustion engines such as gasoline engines, diesel engines and gas engines, which has improved oxidation stability and friction reducing effect, and which complies with environmental regulations.
US08309493B2
To provide a polyphenol-content-increasing agent which increases the content of polyphenol in a plant.A polyphenol-content-increasing agent for plant, containing, as an active ingredient, a 5-aminolevulinic acid or a derivative thereof represented by the following formula (1):(Chem 1) R2R1NCH2COCH2CH2COR3 (1) wherein R1 and R2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an acyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group; R3 represents a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group which may have a substituent, an acyloxy group, an alkoxycarbonyloxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an amino group, or a salt thereof.
US08309485B2
The present invention provides metal-containing sulfated activator-supports, and polymerization catalyst compositions employing these activator-supports. Methods for making these metal-containing sulfated activator-supports and for using such components in catalyst compositions for the polymerization of olefins are also provided.
US08309482B2
Fused and cast refractory product including on oxides basis in percent by weight and for a total of 100%: ZrO2+HfO2 complement to 100%; 3.5% to 6.0% SiO2; 0.7% to 1.5% Al2O3; 0.10% to 0.43% Na2O+K2O; 0.05% to 0.80% B2O3; less than 0.4% CaO+SrO+MgO+ZnO; less than 0.05% P2O5; less than 0.55% Fe2O3+TiO2; less than 1.5% other species. The ratio of percentages by weight of Al2O3/(Na2O+K2O) being greater than or equal to 3.5 and the ratio of percentages by weight of B2O3/(Na2O+K2O) being between 0.3 and 2.5.
US08309481B2
An optical glass includes a substance A generating light of a wavelength λ2 when irradiated with light of a wavelength λ1 and a substance B generating light of a wavelength λ3 when irradiated with light of the wavelength λ1 in the case where the relation between the wavelength λ1, the wavelength λ2, and the wavelength λ3 is assumed to be λ1<λ2<λ3 with respect to a 100% of basic glass composition containing at least, 2-20% SiO2, 5-45% B2O3, and 10-29% La2O3, by weight, or with respect to a 100% of basic glass composition containing; at least, 2-20% SiO2, 5-45% B2O3, 10-29% La2O3, 0-45% RO (R=Zn, Sr, Ba), 0-10% Ln2O3 (Ln=Y, Gd), and 1-20% total of ZrO2+Nb2O5+TiO2+Ta2O5, by weight.
US08309479B2
The present invention relates to metal coated nano-fibers obtained by a process that includes electrospinning and to the use of said metal coated nano-fibers. The process is characterized in that a polymer nano-fiber with functional groups providing the binding ability to a reducing reagent is prepared by electrospinning at ambient conditions. Then this is contacted with a reducing agent, thereby opening the epoxy ring on the surface of polymer nano-fiber and replacing with the reducing agent and the reducing agent modified film is reacted with metal solution in alkaline media. Finally the electrospun mat is treated with water to open the epoxy rings in the structure and crosslinking the chains to provide integrity.
US08309477B2
A laminate structure comprising at least a first layer joined to a second layer by an intermediate layer. The material of the first layer is different to the material of the second layer, and the intermediate layer is composed of fibers of interwoven different first and second materials. An adhesive is provided between the intermediate layer and at least one of the first layer and second layer.
US08309474B1
Systems and methods for performing ultrafast laser annealing in a manner that reduces pattern density effects in integrated circuit manufacturing are disclosed. The method includes scanning at least one first laser beam over the patterned surface of a substrate. The at least one first laser beam is configured to heat the patterned surface to a non-melt temperature Tnonmelt that is within about 400° C. of the melt temperature Tmelt. The method also includes scanning at least one second laser beam over the patterned surface and relative to the first laser beam. The at least one second laser beam is pulsed and is configured to heat the patterned surface from the non-melt temperature provided by the at least one first laser beam up to the melt temperature.
US08309469B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming core material patterns comprising first films separated from another above a substrate; modifying surfaces of core material patterns so a second film is formed, selectively etchable, with first films internally remaining, the second film not covering a base layer of core material patterns between core material patterns; covering an upper surface and sides of the second film and forming a third film on the substrate; etching back the third film to expose an upper surface of the second film and the base layer of core material patterns between the patterns, causing the third film to selectively remain; removing the second film more rapidly than the first and third films; and patterning the base layer with the first and third films remaining on the base layer serving as a mask after the second film has been removed, forming a base layer pattern.
US08309465B2
A system produces devices that include a semiconductor part and a non-semiconductor part. A front end is configured to receive a semiconductor part and to process the semiconductor part. A back end is configured to receive the processed semiconductor part and to assemble the processed semiconductor part and a non-semiconductor part into a device. A transfer device is configured to automatically handle the semiconductor part in the front end and to automatically transfer the processed semiconductor part to the back end.
US08309452B2
A semiconductor device has a substrate with an inductor formed on its surface. First and second contact pads are formed on the substrate. A passivation layer is formed over the substrate and first and second contact pads. A protective layer is formed over the passivation layer. The protective layer is removed over the first contact pad, but not from the second contact pad. A conductive layer is formed over the first contact pad. The conductive layer is coiled on the surface of the substrate to produce inductive properties. The formation of the conductive layer involves use of a wet etchant. The second contact pad is protected from the wet etchant by the protective layer. The protective layer is removed from the second contact pad after forming the conductive layer over the first contact pad. An external connection is formed on the second contact pad.
US08309450B2
According to one embodiment, a method for fabricating a semiconductor device including a memory cell portion and a select gate portion, the method includes etching a charge accumulation layer, a tunnel insulating film, and a semiconductor substrate to make a trench, burying a first insulating film in the trench to contact with a side surface of the charge accumulation layer, performing heat processing to compress the first insulating film, forming a second insulating film on the charge accumulation layer and the first insulating film, etching the second insulating film in the select gate portion to expose a surface of the charge accumulation layer, forming a silicon layer to contact with the exposed surface of the charge accumulation layer, forming a metal layer on the silicon layer, and performing heat processing to silicide an entire boundary region between the charge accumulation layer and the tunnel insulating film.
US08309444B2
A system and method for controlling a dosage profile is disclosed. An embodiment comprises separating a wafer into components of a grid array and assigning each of the grid components a desired dosage profile based upon a test to compensate for topology differences between different regions of the wafer. The desired dosages are decomposed into directional dosage components and the directional dosage components are translated into scanning velocities of the ion beam for an ion implanter. The velocities may be fed into an ion implanter to control the wafer-to-beam velocities and, thereby, control the implantation.
US08309439B2
The present invention relates to the growing of nitride semiconductors, applicable for a multitude of semiconductor devices such as diodes, LEDs and transistors. According to the method of the invention nitride semiconductor nanowires are grown utilizing a CVD based selective area growth technique. A nitrogen source and a metal-organic source are present during the nanowire growth step and at least the nitrogen source flow rate is continuous during the nanowire growth step. The V/III-ratio utilized in the inventive method is significantly lower than the V/III-ratios commonly associated with the growth of nitride based semiconductor.
US08309433B2
A method of manufacturing an optical sensor includes the steps of providing a semiconductor wafer having a plurality of pixel areas; forming a grid-like rib enclosing each pixel area on the semiconductor wafer, the grid-like rib having a predetermined width and being formed from a fixing member; providing a light-transmissive substrate having a gap portion on a main surface thereof, the gap portion having at least one of a groove having a width smaller than the grid-like rib and a plurality of through-holes; fixing the semiconductor wafer and the light-transmissive substrate such that the grid-like rib and the gap portion face each other; and cutting the fixed semiconductor wafer and light-transmissive substrate into pieces such that each piece includes one pixel area.
US08309431B2
A method for self-supported transfer of a fine layer, in which at least one species of ions is implanted in a source-substrate at a specified depth in relation to the surface of the source-substrate. A stiffener is applied in intimate contact with the source-substrate and the source-substrate undergoes a heat treatment at a specified temperature during a specified period of time in order to create an embrittled buried area substantially at the specified depth without causing a thin layer, defined between the surface and the embrittled buried layer in relation to the remainder of the source-substrate, to become thermally detached. A controlled localized energy pulse is applied to the source-substrate in order to cause the self-supported detachment of the thin layer.
US08309426B2
The present invention provides methods for the manufacture of a trench structure in a multilayer wafer that comprises a substrate, an oxide layer on the substrate and a semiconductor layer on the oxide layer. These methods include the steps of forming a trench through the semiconductor layer and the oxide layer and extending into the substrate, and of performing an anneal treatment of the formed trench such that at the inner surface of the trench some material of the semiconductor layer flows at least over a portion of the part of the oxide layer exposed at the inner surface of the trench. Substrates manufactured according to this invention are advantageous for fabricating various semiconductor devices, e.g., MOSFETs, trench capacitors, and the like.
US08309412B2
A method for forming a semiconductor device includes: etching a hard mask layer and a conductive layer formed on a semiconductor substrate, a lower structure being formed on the semiconductor substrate; forming a sacrificial insulating layer at upper parts of the etched hard mask layer and the etched conductive layer of a peripheral circuit region; forming an isolation insulating layer at an upper part of an isolation insulating layer of a cell region; forming spacers at sidewalls of the etched hard mask layer, the etched conductive layer, and the isolation insulating layer of the cell region, respectively; forming storage electrode contact plugs at both sides of each of the spacers, respectively; and removing the sacrificial insulating layer to expose the semiconductor substrate of the peripheral circuit region, and etching the lower structure to expose the semiconductor substrate of the peripheral circuit region.
US08309410B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type and a first doping concentration. A first semiconductor region, used as drain, of the first conductivity type has a lower doping concentration than the semiconductor layer and is over the semiconductor layer. A gate dielectric is over the first semiconductor region. A gate electrode over the gate dielectric has a metal-containing center portion and first and second silicon portions on opposite sides of the center portion. A second semiconductor region, used as a channel, of the second conductivity type has a first portion under the first silicon portion and the gate dielectric. A third semiconductor region, used as a source, of the first conductivity type is laterally adjacent to the first portion of the second semiconductor region. The metal-containing center portion, replacing silicon, increases the source to drain breakdown voltage.
US08309409B2
A semiconductor-device fabrication method includes forming a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity on a surface layer of a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity, the second semiconductor region having an impurity concentration higher than the first semiconductor region; forming a trench penetrating the second semiconductor region, to the first semiconductor region; embedding a first electrode inside the trench via an insulating film, at a height lower than a surface of the second semiconductor region; forming an interlayer insulating film inside the trench, covering the first electrode; leaving the interlayer insulating film on only a surface of the first electrode; removing the second semiconductor region such that the surface thereof is positioned lower than an interface between the first electrode and the interlayer insulating film; and forming a second electrode contacting the second semiconductor region and adjacent to the first electrode via the insulating film in the trench.
US08309406B2
Electric characteristics of a thin film transistor including a channel formation region including a microcrystalline semiconductor are improved. The thin film transistor includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating film formed over the gate electrode, a microcrystalline semiconductor layer formed over the gate insulating film, a semiconductor layer which is formed over the microcrystalline semiconductor layer and includes an amorphous semiconductor, and a source region and a drain region which are formed over the semiconductor layer. A channel is formed in the microcrystalline semiconductor layer when the thin film transistor is placed in an on state, and the microcrystalline semiconductor layer includes an impurity element for functioning as an acceptor. The microcrystalline semiconductor layer is formed by a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. In forming the microcrystalline semiconductor layer, a process gas is excited with two or more kinds of high-frequency electric power with different frequencies.
US08309400B2
The package structure includes a metal sheet having a first central block, a plurality of first metal blocks, a second central block and a plurality of second metal blocks, a first finish layer and a second finish layer, at least a chip disposed on the metal sheet and a package body encapsulating the chip. The package structure may further include at least an area block for wire routing.
US08309397B2
A method for fabricating an encapsulant cavity integrated circuit package system includes: providing an interposer; forming a first integrated circuit package with an inverted bottom terminal having an encapsulant cavity and the interposer; and attaching a component on the interposer in the encapsulant cavity.
US08309393B2
A method of producing a single-crystal thin film of an organic semiconductor compound, which contains the steps of: applying an organic solvent which has a dielectric constant of 4.5 or greater and in which an organic semiconductor compound is soluble, on a substrate, to form a liquid film of the organic solvent on the substrate; supplying the organic semiconductor compound into the liquid film of the organic solvent, to dissolve therein; and crystallizing the organic semiconductor compound in the organic solvent.
US08309389B1
Photovoltaic semiconductor devices and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method of making a photovoltaic semiconductor device having enhanced electromagnetic radiation absorption can include applying a damage removal etch (DRE) to a semiconductor material to an RMS surface roughness of from about 0.5 nm to about 50 nm and texturing a single side of the semiconductor material. The texturing further includes irradiating a target region of the semiconductor material with laser radiation to create features having a size of from about 50 nm to about 10 microns.
US08309388B2
A hermetic MEMS device (100) comprising a carrier (110) having a surface (111) including a device (101) and an attachment stripe (122), the stripe spaced from the device and surrounding the device; a metallic foil (102) having a central bulge portion (103) and a peripheral rim portion (104) meeting the stripe, the bulge cross section parallel to the carrier monotonically decreasing from the rim (104) towards the bulge apex (105); and the foil positioned over the carrier surface so that the bulge arches over the device and the rim forms a seal with the stripe.
US08309376B2
There is provided a process for forming a contained second layer over a first layer. The process comprises forming the first layer having a first surface energy and then treating the first layer with a photocurable surface-active composition which is a fluorinated ester or fluorinated imide of an α,β-unsaturated polyacid; exposing the photocurable surface-active composition patternwise with radiation resulting in exposed areas and unexposed areas; developing the photocurable surface-active composition to remove the unexposed areas resulting in a first layer having untreated portions in the unexposed areas and treated portions in the exposed areas, where the treated portions have a second surface energy that is lower than the first surface energy; and forming the second layer on the untreated portions of the first layer. There is also provided an organic electronic device made by the process.
US08309373B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a first pad and a second pad over a substrate; forming a first insulating film over the second pad without forming the first insulating film over the first pad; forming a metal film over the first pad and the second pad; forming an electrode over the first pad with the metal film interposed therebetween; selectively removing the metal film over the second pad; and removing the first insulating film over the second pad.
US08309371B1
A system and method include forming an optical cavity by positioning a photonic crystal a predetermined distance from a substrate, and creating, within the cavity, a standing wave having a substantially flat wavefront. The standing wave may be created by applying an input wave to a first surface of the photonic crystal. The predetermined distance may be such that a peak intensity of the standing wave is proximate to or a calculated distance from the substrate surface. The peak intensity may vary in relation to the substrate surface. The method may include tuning the peak intensity location within the cavity by shifting the wavelength of the input wave or altering the characteristics of the photonic crystal by an external field. A second photonic crystal may be used on the other side of the substrate to replace the reflecting properties of the substrate, allowing for further smoothing of the wavefront.
US08309369B2
This invention relates to a detection system for measuring a fluorescent signal in a fluorescent assay. The system comprises a probe having a small sensing surface bound with a fluorescent label, and a light source and a detector both mounted at the proximal side of the sensing surface of the substrate. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample using a probe tip having a small surface area (≦5 mm) and a high molecular weight polymer (≧1 MD) having multiple binding molecules and multiple fluorescent labels. The binding reaction is accelerated by flowing the reaction solutions laterally and moving the probe tip up and down in the reaction vessels. The invention furthers relates to a fluorescent labeling composition comprising a cross-linked Ficoll molecule having a plurality of binding molecules and a plurality of fluorescent labels.
US08309360B2
A reagent for analyzing urine is described. The reagent comprises a fungus membrane damaging agent for damaging a cellular membrane of yeast-like fungus in urine; a first dye for staining yeast-like fungus so that a fluorescent intensity of damaged yeast-like fungus becomes more intense than that of erythrocyte in urine; and a second dye for staining sperm in urine so that a fluorescent intensity of sperm becomes more intense than that of the damaged yeast-like fungus.
US08309351B2
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to the identification of markers of endothelial cells which are in a quiescent or activated state, and more specifically to beta tubulin isotypes as markers which are differentially expressed between endothelial cells in these states. The beta tubulin isotypes can be used for the identification of candidate agents which selectively bind quiescent or activated endothelial cells, and to identify candidate agents which inhibit or promote angiogenesis and/or vascular function.
US08309331B2
The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to compositions, systems, and methods for altering rates of catalysis. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present invention are directed toward compositions, systems, and methods for enzymatic hydrolysis of polysaccharides, such as cellulose and starch. An aspect of the present invention comprises a method for altering the rate of conversion of a substrate into a product comprising: providing a substrate in a carrier; mixing a reactant and a co-factor with the carrier to form a substantially homogeneous mixture of the reactant, the co-factor, and the substrate in the carrier; and reacting the reactant with the substrate in the presence of the co- factor to convert at least a portion of the substrate into the product, wherein the reaction rate of the reactant with the substrate in the presence of the co-factor is different than the reaction rate of the reactant with the substrate in the absence of the co-factor.
US08309323B2
This invention describes genes, metabolic pathways, microbial strains and methods to produce 2,6-dimethyloctane as an advanced biofuel from renewable feedstocks.
US08309322B2
Novel uses for diterpene modulators of macrophage phagosomal maturation are provided. The diterpene isotuberculosinol is used as an immune modulator, assay for pharmaceutical compositions and an isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis labdane-related diterpenoid virulence factor. A method of treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis infectivity is further provided.
US08309321B2
A method for identifying a protease secretion deficient strain of a microorganism involves producing a mutant of the microorganism, followed by adding the mutant to gel-filled wells of a microtitration plate, incubating the mutant in the gel-filled wells under conditions call sing the mutant to secrete proteins, separating the mutant from the gel, and measuring activity of a secretion protease of the microorganism in the gel, wherein either (i) the gel is a substrate for the secretion protease or (ii) the gel contains a substrate for the secretion protease.
US08309320B2
The invention features methods and compositions for diagnosis, including prognosis, of conditions associated with decreased arginine bioavailability (which can result from dysregulated arginine metabolism, e.g., due to increased arginase activity) by assessing in a sample from a subject the ratio of arginine to one or more, usually two or more, modulators of arginine bioavailability. In one embodiment, the ratio of arginine to (ornithine+citrulline) is assessed to aid in diagnosis.
US08309318B2
The present invention relates to methods and devices for detecting biological entities and components associated with hypersensitivity reactions in patients with allergies, cancer or autoimmune disease. Specifically, the assays of the invention are capable of qualitatively and/or quantitatively detecting allergen specific immunocomplexes by assaying for immobilized C3b in a biological sample produced as a result of exposure to food.
US08309317B2
This invention generally relates to a methods, devices and kits for screening single cells for the production of one or more biologically active agents of interest, such as a protein, nucleic acid, or a protein and the nucleic acid encoding same.
US08309302B2
Methods and processing reagents for improving washing and aging a biological sample in an assay are disclosed. The processing reagents comprise an aqueous base reagent and a low vapor pressure composition in sufficient amount to raise the boiling point of the base reagent. The methods comprise applying the base reagent and low vapor pressure composition to the biological sample for use at an elevated temperature.
US08309284B2
An organic, semiconducting material, in particular, a material which can be used as a semiconductor material in organic electronics. A component of the material thereby comprises the oligophenylene from heterocyclic parent compounds with the following structure:
US08309278B2
Complex self-assembled patterns can be created using a sparse template and local changes to the shape or distribution of the posts of the template to direct pattern generation of block copolymer. The post spacing in the template is formed commensurate with the equilibrium periodicity of the block copolymer, which controls the orientation of the linear features. Further, the posts can be arranged such that the template occupies only a few percent of the area of the final self-assembled patterns. Local aperiodic features can be introduced by changing the period or motif of the lattice or by adding guiding posts. According to one embodiment, an array of carefully spaced and shaped posts, prepared by electron-beam patterning of an inorganic resist, can be used to template complex patterns in a cylindrical-morphology block copolymer. These complex self-assembled patterns can form a mask used in fabrication processes of arbitrary structures such as interconnect layouts.
US08309272B2
A solid oxide cell is provided which, after short-time activation, can generate electricity at a high power density over a prolonged period. This cell can be constituted so as to eliminate the necessity of carrier gas introduction during power generation and, hence, can more easily realize a size reduction in power generation systems. The solid oxide cell at least has an anode having an anode material, a cathode having a cathode material, and an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode and including an ionically conductive solid oxide, wherein the anode material includes a composite metal oxide or a cermet, solid carbon is deposited on the anode material during activation and at least the following reaction schemes (1) and (2) are utilized at the anode during power generation to generate electricity. CO2+C→2CO (1) CO+O2−→CO2+2e− (2)
US08309267B2
A polymer electrolyte fuel cell (10) includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (20); an electrode catalyst layer (90c) provided on one surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane (20); a separator (80c) having electrical conductivity, and shielding gas; and an electrode member (50c) interposed between the electrode catalyst layer (90c) and the separator (80c) and constituting an electrode together with the electrode catalyst layer (90c). The electrode member (50c) includes: first contact portions (111) in direct contact with the electrode catalyst layer (90c); second contact portions (112) in direct contact with the separator (80c); and gas diffusion paths (121) through which the gas flows. The electrode member (50c) is provided with a large number of pores (131) formed therein, and constituted by a plate member (100) having electrical conductivity and bent into a wave shape.
US08309254B2
A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes: a crystalline carbon core including pores; an amorphous carbon shell positioned on the core surface; metal nanoparticles dispersed inside the pores; and amorphous carbon inside the pores, wherein a first particle diameter difference (D50−D10) of the nanoparticles is from about 70 to about 150 nm and the second particle diameter difference (D90−D50) of the nanoparticles is from about 440 to about 520 nm.
US08309250B2
A battery includes an electrode group, a case, a sealing member, and a mesh portion. The electrode group includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode opposing the positive electrode, an electrolyte interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The case has an opening and contains the electrode group. The sealing member closes the opening of the case. The mesh portion is provided so as to face an exhaust hole formed in at least one of the case and the sealing member. The mesh is formed of a thermally conductive material to put off frame coming out of the exhaust hole, in case where the battery is so defective to ignite fire.
US08309249B2
A lithium-ion secondary battery which includes a battery element and an exterior package covering the battery element. The battery element includes a separator, and an electrode-stacked body having a first electrode and a second electrode disposed respectively on both surfaces of the separator in a stacking direction. The exterior package includes a first package member located at one side of the battery element in the stacking direction, and a second package member located at the other side of the battery element in the stacking direction. A linear expansion coefficient α1 of the first package member is greater than a linear expansion coefficient α2 of the second package member.
US08309245B2
By being embedded in a portable computing device, a battery pack is made essentially inaccessible to unauthorized users, thereby allowing for a battery pack that can be made smaller and of lighter construction material, thereby facilitating greater component density within the portable computing device, lower cost to manufacture, and more environmentally secure.
US08309225B2
A heat dissipative composite material including a carbon fiber lay-up having a resin pyrolized to form a graphitic carbon laminate structure. A structural resin fills voids in the graphitic carbon laminate structure and provides strength to the graphitic carbon laminate structure.
US08309224B2
There is disclosed a conductive particle used for an anisotropic conductive connection material for establishing conductive interconnection between e.g. a substrate and an electrical component. The conductive particle includes a base particle (2) exhibiting electrical conductivity at least on its surface and a continuous insulating resin film (3) formed by welding of fine particles (3a) of an insulating resin that composes the resin film. The surface of the base particle is coated with the continuous insulating resin film. There are formed voids at least between neighboring fine particles.
US08309213B2
A high-temperature heat resistant elastic composite comprising a porous high molecular-weight silicon polymer and a reinforcing material wherein the silicon polymer comprises a silicon resin, silica and boron oxide catalyzed by the boron oxide to form a reaction mass that is polymerized in acetone and to which the silica and boron nitride are added and wherein pores of silicone polymer are filled with a densification resin blend.
US08309204B2
A cut or precut absorbent sheet intended in particular for wiping includes at least two plies or groups of plies of creped absorbent paper with a basis weight ranging between 12 and 35 g/m2 per ply, at least one of the plies having an embossed pattern made up of protrusions directed towards the inside of the sheet and forming cavities between them. Some of the protrusions are distributed over at least one of the plies in such a way as to define portions of curves which in particular form concentric circles around or near the geometric center of the outline of the sheet; and the set of protrusions belonging to one ply of the sheet forms alignments which constitute an embossed pattern with central symmetry with respect to the geometric center of the outline of the sheet.
US08309202B2
There is provided a hard-coated film that includes a thermoplastic film and a hard coat layer placed thereon, has high surface hardness, is prevented from forming interference iris patterns, does not reduce image sharpness when used for antireflection films, and is prevented from causing screen glittering, external light reflection, or coloration irregularity of reflected light. The hard-coated film includes a polyester film and a hard coat layer placed on at least one side of the polyester film, wherein the hard coat layer has a surface with irregularities, an interface between the polyester film and the hard coat layer has irregularities, and the surface of the hard coat layer has 3D surface roughness parameters including an arithmetical mean deviation of surface Sa of from 15 nm to less than 150 nm and a kurtosis of surface height distribution Sku of from 1.5 to 5.
US08309200B2
A reflective insulation system. The reflective insulation system includes a reflective layer such as aluminum, a layer of fiberglass, and a layer of vapor retarding material. A first side of the layer of fiberglass is bonded to the reflective layer by a deposit of hot melt glue. The second side of the layer of fiberglass is bonded to the layer of vapor retarding material by a second deposit of hot melt glue. The vapor retarding layer may be a plastic material, such as polypropylene or a reflective material, such as aluminum. In an alternate construction, the reflective layer has a transverse dimension that is narrower than the vapor retarding material such that edge portions of the reflective layer are spaced inwardly with respect to edges of said vapor retarder material. A strip of adhesive tape, preferably foil tape, overlies and secures edge portions of the reflective and vapor retarder layers.
US08309197B2
Devices, systems and methods for fabricating improved ceramic composite turbine shrouds with abradable seals are disclosed. A high temperature seal with an abradable coating is provided. The seal comprises a three-dimensional, high-density woven composite base structure recessed below the abradable coating, with loops incorporated in and protruding from the base structure. The abradable coating is integrally attached to the base structure via the loops. Additionally, a graded density seal is provided with a three-dimensional, low-density woven composite structure. The low-density structure is abradable. A three-dimensional, high-density woven composite base structure is recessed below the low-density structure, with the low-density structure integrally attached to the base structure via weaving.
US08309193B2
Fluid transfer multi-layer tube based on a polyamide and an ethyl vinyl alcohol or polyvinyl alcohol
The present invention relates to a symmetrical multi-layer tube based on polyamide and ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) for transferring fluids. As examples of tubes for transferring fluids, mention may be made of fuel (gasoline, diesel fuel) pipes, in particular for carrying fuel from the tank to the engine of motor vehicles. Other examples of fluid transfer include, but are not limited to, the fluids used in fuel cells, CO2 systems for cooling, hydraulic systems, cooling circuits and air-conditioning circuits, and medium-pressure power transfer.
US08309181B2
A method of manufacturing a polymer film having a microphase-separated morphology includes a film-forming step in which a solution containing a block copolymer having two or more types of polymer chains which are mutually incompatible and are bonded to each other, a first solvent and a second solvent having a higher boiling point by at least 15° C. than the first solvent is applied onto a substrate and the first solvent is removed to form a film; a heating step in which the film is heated at a temperature which is higher than the boiling point of the first solvent but is lower than the boiling point of the second solvent to make the film formed have a microphase-separated morphology; and a solvent removal step in which the second solvent is removed from the film having the microphase-separated morphology to form the polymer film having the microphase-separated morphology.
US08309175B2
A film forming method for producing a barrier film for a semiconductor. A metallic material gas and a reactive gas are alternatively introduced into a vacuum chamber. A back-flow preventing gas and an auxiliary gas are also introduced into the vacuum chamber. The reactive gas and the auxiliary gas are moved with a flow of the back-flow preventing gas, and radicals are produced by being in contact with a catalytic material. The metallic material gas is not in contact with the catalytic material, and the catalytic material is not degraded. A shower plate may be disposed between a radical producing chamber and a reaction chamber, so that the radicals are fed into the reaction chamber through holes.
US08309164B2
A metallized substrate having, disposed in the order mentioned: a ceramics substrate; a high-melting point metal layer; a base nickel plating layer; a layered nickel-phosphorous plating layer; a diffusion-inhibiting plating layer; and a gold plating layer. The base nickel plating layer being any one of a nickel plating layer, a nickel-boron plating layer, or a nickel-cobalt plating layer. The diffusion-inhibiting plating layer being any one of a columnar nickel-phosphorous plating layer, a palladium-phosphorous plating layer, or a palladium plating layer. According to the above composition, even after heating the semiconductor chips in a mounted state, the metallized substrate can make the connection strength of wire bonding favorable.
US08309154B2
There is provided a surface-active material that comprises fibers which have been modified so as to impart surface-active properties onto said fibres and giving it a contact angle between 60° and 120°, wherein the fibres have an aspect ratio of more than 10 to 1,000. The surface-active material can be used for foam and emulsion formation and stabilization, coatings, encapsulation and drug delivery. It can for example be used in the following industries: foods, home and personal care, oilfield, agriculture, textile, construction, emulsion polymerization, leather, plastic, pulp, paper and pharma.
US08309152B2
Process equipment for the separation of gluten from wheat starch including gluten process equipment configured to process gluten after the gluten is initially separated from A starch, the gluten processing equipment having a dewatering press configured to dewater gluten and modified gluten process equipment including at least one component selected from the group having a high pressure water wash system located upstream of the dewatering press, a kneader located upstream of the dewatering press, a homogenizer located upstream of the dewatering press, a dispersion tank configured to precipitate fines downstream of the dewatering press, a solids-ejecting centrifuge downstream, and combinations thereof.
US08309137B2
The present invention relates to specific DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone copolymers and the application of these polymers in the production of biodegradable medical applications. According to the present invention a polymeric material comprising poly(DL-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) is provided, which is obtained by the copolymerization of DL-lactide and ε-caprolactone, having a lactide content of 51-75 mol %, most preferably of 62-69 mol %.
US08309133B2
The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate quinazoline derivative compositions having improved pharmacokinetic profiles and reduced fed/fasted variability. The nanoparticulate quinazoline derivative particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm and are useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer and other neoplastic diseases. The compositions may include quinazolinamine derivatives such as erlotinib or a salt thereof.
US08309131B2
The present invention relates to mechanically hemostatic body-absorbable compositions having a putty-like consistency comprising a finely powdered, carboxylic acid salt, a liquid block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and a tocopherol.
US08309130B2
An adsorbent for oral administration, characterized by comprising a spherical activated carbon, wherein a diameter is 0.01 to 1 mm, a specific surface area determined by Langmuir's adsorption equation is 1000 m2/g or more, and a diffraction intensity ratio, an R value, determined by an equation (1): R=(I15−I35)/(I24−I35) (1) wherein I15 is a diffraction intensity when a diffraction angle (2θ) of an X-ray diffractometry is 15°, I35 is a diffraction intensity when a diffraction angle (2θ) of an X-ray diffractometry is 35°, and I24 is a diffraction intensity when a diffraction angle (2θ) of an X-ray diffractometry is 24°, is 1.4 or more; and an adsorbent for an oral administration, characterized by comprising a surface-modified spherical activated carbon, wherein a diameter is 0.01 to 1 mm, a specific surface area determined by Langmuir's adsorption equation is 1000 m2/g or more, a total amount of acidic groups is 0.40 to 1.00 meq/g, a total amount of basic groups is 0.40 to 1.10 meq/g, and a diffraction intensity ratio, an R value, determined by equation (1) is 1.4 or more. The adsorbents for oral administration exhibit a useful selective adsorbability, that is, a less adsorbability of useful substances in a body, and a greater adsorbability of toxic substances.
US08309127B2
Stable pharmaceutical compositions of famotidine and ibuprofen in a single unit dosage form are disclosed herein. The compositions comprise a famotidine core having a reduced or minimal surface area surrounded by a layer of ibuprofen. In some embodiments, the ibuprofen is in direct physical contact with the famotidine.
US08309113B2
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a porous coating with structures in the micro or nano-size domain characterized by the following steps:—providing a support having a surface,—depositing on the surface one mono-layer of temporary particles,—depositing a coating on the temporary particles in such a way that the thickness of the coating is less than the particle diameter,—eliminating the temporary particles and thereby obtaining a porous coating, the pores of the coating corresponding to the spaces previously occupied by the temporary particles and at least a part of the pores communicating with the external environment,—applying a coating fixation step, characterized by the fact that it furthermore comprise a filling step where the pores are at least partially filled with a liquid or solid substance. The invention also concerns a coating and an object which can be obtained with this process.
US08309112B2
A segmented polyurethane and an amphiphilic random or block copolymer are disclosed. The segmented polyurethane and the amphiphilic random or block copolymer can be used for fabricating a coating for an implantable medical device such as a stent.
US08309110B2
The present invention relates to antibacterial and antifungal compositions having 3-isothiazolone and polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate. These new antiseptic compositions demonstrate a superior degree of effectiveness on a wide spectrum of pathogens. The present invention also relates to the use of these new antiseptic compositions to kill and/or restrain the growth of bacteria and fungi in a variety of applications.
US08309090B2
Isolated monoclonal antibodies that bind and/or neutralize anthrax protective antigen (PA) are disclosed as well as hybridomas secreting such antibodies. The invention also provides anti-PA fragments of the antibodies of the invention and recombinantly produced antibodies. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the antibodies or antibody fragments and uses and methods involving same.
US08309088B2
Methods are disclosed for treating osteoarthritis in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-human NGF antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein at least one symptom associated with osteoarthritis is prevented, ameliorated or improved.
US08309085B2
Antibodies to human IL-23R are provided, as well as uses thereof, e.g. in treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, and proliferative disorders.
US08309083B2
Polypeptides which comprise a receptor-ligand pair involved in T-cell activation are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides, and vectors and host cells for expressing the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, or agonists and antagonists thereof, are used to treat T-cell mediated disorders.
US08309080B2
Metallo-proteins including but not limited to lactoferrin (LF), transferrin (TF) and ovotransferrin (OTF) (all members of transferrin family), ceruloplasmin (CP) and metallo-thionein (MT) were found to stabilize and enhance the bio-functional activity of tocotrienol (T3), T3 mixtures or derivates. The synergism between MP and T3 also promote the intestinal transfer and the ultimate bio-availability of T3 and T3-derivatives for physiological functions. Such functional synergism includes hypocholesterolemic, anti-thrombotic, antioxidant, anti-athermogenic, anti-inflammatory and immuno-regulatory activities of T3 agents. These T3 compositions are useful as pharmaceuticals, in cosmetics, in foods and as nutritional supplements.
US08309078B2
A polypeptide molecule able to selectively modulate uric acid conversion into S(+)- allantoin is described. A pharmaceutical composition for treating uric acid related disorders and a process to selectively modulate uric acid conversion into S(+)-allantoin are also disclosed.
US08309076B2
The present invention relates to a lactic acid bacterium isolated from human mother's milk, more precisely a Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 strain that is isolated from Korean mother's milk and has excellent probiotic activity including acid resistance, bile acid resistance and antimicrobial activity and weight gaining inhibitory effect as well. Again, the Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 of the present invention has excellent acid resistance, bile acid resistance, enteric absorption activity and antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms, in addition to the weight gaining inhibitory effect by synthesizing indigestible polysaccharides from monosaccharides included in food taken and releasing the synthesized polysaccharides out of the body. Therefore, the strain of the invention, owing to such beneficiary effects, can be effectively used not only for the production of fermented milk, other fermented food products and animal feeds but also for the production of live cell products and food additives for preventing weight gaining.
US08309073B2
The invention relates to a probiotic combination comprising different combinations of lactobacilli, propionic acid bacteria and/or bifidobacteria. The probiotics are preferably combined with a suitable prebiotic to form a synbiotic. The combination of the invention can be consumed as such or combined with a suitable foodstuff or pharmaceutical product, and it is therapeutically useful for example for stimulating the immune system and for general health improvement.
US08309071B2
The present invention concerns the technical field of nucleic acids and expression-optimized nucleic acids. The present invention concerns especially nucleic acids comprising a mutated foamy viral envelope gene encoding a foamy viral envelope polypeptide, which comprises a leader peptide (LP), a surface unit (SU) and a transmembrane domain (TM). The present invention also relates to modified polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acids. Furthermore, the present invention regards a method for preparing pseudotyped vector particles as well as a method for treating a genetic disorder comprising administering a nucleic acid or a polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid.
US08309070B2
The invention relates generally to methods for isolation and culture of umbilical cord blood stem cells, cells isolated by the methods, and therapeutic uses for those cells.
US08309069B2
A stabilized HSA-free liquid pharmaceutical composition is described, which comprises an interferon (IFN), wherein said formulation is a solution that comprises a buffer, a surfactant, an isotonicity agent and an antioxidant. Preferably the interferon is human recombinant IFN-beta.
US08309063B2
A stable, oil-in-water (O-W) emulsion-based sunscreen composition having at least one water-insoluble, organic UV-absorber having a water-solubility of much less than 0.1% by weight, contained in the oil phase of the sunscreen emulsion, comprising i) zinc oxide (ZnO) particles having a surface free of any prior coating of any inorganic oxide and hydrophobic material, remaining dispersed in the water phase of the sunscreen emulsion; ii) at least one non- or low-foaming, non-cationic, hydrophilic polymer, capable of dispersing or deflocculating the ZnO particles but incapable of thickening an aqueous composition to a viscosity of greater than 100 cps at 25° C., wherein the viscosity is measured using a Brookfield viscometer operated at 10 rpm for 15 seconds, when the polymer is added at an amount of 1%, based on the total weight of the polymer and water in the aqueous composition; iii) at least one phenolic polymer, capable of functioning as a dispersing or deflocculating agent for particulate material(s), and adsorbing at an oil-water interface; and v) a buffering agent for the water phase of the sunscreen emulsion.
US08309060B2
An abuse-proofed, thermoformed dosage form containing, in addition to one or more active ingredients with abuse potential optionally together with physiologically acceptable auxiliary substances, at least one synthetic or natural polymer with a breaking strength of at least 500 N and to a process for the production thereof.
US08309059B2
The invention provides compounds and compositions of Formulas I-VII, and methods of using the compounds. The compounds can be used to prepare dye conjugates that are uniformly and substantially more fluorescent on proteins, nucleic acids or other biopolymers, than conjugates labeled with structurally similar known carbocyanine dyes. In addition to having more intense fluorescence emission than structurally similar dyes at virtually identical wavelengths, and decreased artifacts in their absorption spectra upon conjugation to biopolymers, the compounds can have greater photostability and/or higher absorbance (extinction coefficients) at the wavelength(s) of peak absorbance than such structurally similar dyes.
US08309053B2
The present invention relates to novel modified fatty acid analogs, where a positron or gamma-emitting label is placed at a position on a fatty acid backbone and an organic substituent is substituted at the 2,3; 3,4; 4,5; 5,6 and other sequence positions of a fatty acid backbone. These novel fatty acid analogs are designed to enter the tissues of interest by the same long chain fatty acid carrier mechanism as natural fatty acids, however, functional substituents in the 2,3; 3,4; 4,5; 5,6 and other sequence positions, block the catabolic pathway, thus trapping these analogs in a virtually unmodified form in the tissues of interest.
US08309050B2
PCD materials comprise a diamond body having bonded diamond crystals and interstitial regions disposed among the crystals. The diamond body is formed from diamond grains and a catalyst material at high pressure/high temperature conditions. The diamond grains have an average particle size of about 0.03 mm or greater. At least a portion of the diamond body has a high diamond volume content of greater than about 93 percent by volume. The entire diamond body can comprise high volume content diamond or a region of the diamond body can comprise the high volume content diamond. The diamond body includes a working surface, a first region substantially free of the catalyst material, and a second region that includes the catalyst material. At least a portion of the first region extends from the working surface to depth of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm.
US08309048B2
The invention relates to a process for producing an ammonium salt composition. The process comprises the step of providing a process stream comprising sulfuric acid, methylene dichloride, and a tertiary amine or a precursor thereof. The process further comprises the step of contacting the process stream with ammonia to form a product stream and a waste stream. The product stream comprises the ammonium salt and the waste stream comprises water, methylene dichloride, ammonia, and the tertiary amine. The process further comprises the step of deriving from the waste stream an off gas stream comprising ammonia and a first amount of methylene dichloride. The process also comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of the off gas stream or a derivative thereof with an adsorbent to separate at least a portion of the off gas into a methylene dichloride stream comprising methylene dichloride.
US08309045B2
A system includes an emissions control system. The emissions control system includes a chemical injection conduit. The emissions control system also includes a chemical injector coupled to the chemical injection conduit, wherein the chemical injector is configured to output an emissions control chemical into the chemical injection conduit. The emissions control system further includes a wave generator coupled to the chemical injection conduit, wherein the wave generator is configured to output multiple waves that propagate through the chemical injection conduit into a flow path of combustion products to drive improved mixing of the emissions control chemical with the combustion products.
US08309043B2
The present invention provides a process for recovering Li values from a sodium saturated brine. The process includes recovering Li values from a sodium saturated brine which contains LiX. The process includes concentrating the sodium saturated brine to at least 9000 mg/l LiX, passing the concentrated brine through a bed of polycrystalline hydrated alumina pellets until the pellets are loaded with LiX from the concentrated brine, displacing brine held-up in the bed by using concentrated NaX, unloading LiX from the pellets by flowing through the bed an aqueous solution of LiX which is not saturated, displacing the LiX from the bed using concentrated NaX, and repeating the steps at least one additional time to provide the Li values.
US08309040B2
Provided is a microfluidic control apparatus that includes at least one control means and a microfluidic control chip. When the microfluidic control chip is loaded to the control means, a needle provided to the control means is inserted into a reaction solution storage chamber of the microfluidic control chip, in which the reaction solution storage chamber is sealed with a sealing tape. Thus, fluid connection is easily formed between the microfluidic control chip and the control means without leakage.
US08309036B2
A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element. A sample rack configured to hold receptacles and to be inserted into the structure below the cover includes a sample rack having receptacle-receiving pockets, each with a resilient element and a positioning feature for holding receptacles of varying sizes in a predetermined position within the receptacle receiving pocket, and a cover including features for preventing a receptacle from being pulled out of its receptacle-receiving pocket when the transfer mechanism is withdrawn from the receptacle.
US08309033B2
A plasma treated gas permeable material is produced by applying an alternating voltage between spaced electrodes, at least one of which is covered with a dielectric barrier and at least one of which comprises a plurality of discrete electrode segments, to generate plasma microdischarges between the spaced electrodes. A gas permeable material is passed between or adjacent to the spaced electrodes. A gas is moved between the electrode segments into and through the space between the electrodes and through the gas permeable material. The gas flows over plasma generation surfaces of the respective electrode segments and is moved at a rate whereby the gas flow between the spaced electrodes is turbulent and so randomises the plasma microdischarges and disperses plasma products that would otherwise give rise to burning instabilities in the gas permeable material, whereby the randomized plasma microdischarges provide a generally uniform plasma treatment of the gas permeable material. Also disclosed is an apparatus for laying out the process.
US08309032B2
A catalytic converter apparatus for use in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine includes a housing having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and at least one catalytic substrate element disposed in the housing. The at least one substrate element is divided into a plurality of zones or sections, the zones at least partially separated from one another to inhibit heat flow. The zones can be at least partially separated with walls. The walls can include insulating material for reducing the mobility of heat radially outwardly. Each of the zones defines a generally separate flow passage connecting the inlet and outlet in fluid communication. The apparatus can heat more rapidly from a cold start compared with conventional catalytic converters.
US08309019B2
A method of forming a powder metal forging, including the steps of: forming a preform including a sintered powder metal composition; inserting the preform in a die set having a bottom die and a top die, the die set defining a forge form therewithin, the die set being in a closed position wherein the top die is contacting the bottom die; and compressing the preform in the forge form using an upper punch and a lower punch, the compressing step resulting in a formed part. The closed die set minimizes or eliminates flash in the formed part, particularly in the contoured surfaces, which allows the forging to be through hardened by direct quenching after the forging operation, without the need to remove hardened flash from these surfaces.
US08309011B2
An auxiliary device and a method for finishing and calibrating preforms that are removed from a multiple tool in an unstable shape, the calibration process being performed with compressed air immediately after removing and withdrawing the preforms from the multiple tool. Nipples that can be inserted into the preforms are provided with expandable press rings or sealing rings in order to seal the interior of the blow-molded part of the preforms. The compressed air is introduced via the nipples, the sealing process being performed by radially expanding the press rings or sealing rings in analogy to the closing process of thermoses, thus protecting the preforms from adverse forces. The sealing point can be randomly selected in the transition zone from the threaded part to the blow-molded part of the preforms. The interior of the blow-molded part is optimally sealed without affecting the form stability and dimensional stability of the preforms.
US08309009B2
The method and system for rapid press forming and consolidation of a sheet of thermoformable material provides for molding of articles with complex shapes. The sheet of thermoformable material is suspended on a movable frame and transferred on a track to a preheating and preconsolidation station, where it is heated, and rapidly transferred suspended on the movable frame via the track to a molding and consolidation station for rapid press forming and consolidation with a hydraulic punch that applies pressure uniformly in all directions, to substantially eliminate wrinkles in the formed product.
US08309008B2
Systems, methods, and processes for separating a template from a substrate retained on an air cavity chuck during an imprint lithography process. Generally, vacuum level provided by air cavity chuck may be controlled during conforming of polymerizable material between the template and the substrate and during separation of the template and the substrate.
US08309006B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a composite plant fiber material capable of achieving both of higher lightweight and better mechanical characteristics. The method of producing a composite plant fiber material having a structure wherein plant fibers (kenaf fibers, etc.) are bonded together via a thermoplastic resin (a polypropylene-based resin, etc.) and containing 30% to 95% by weight of the plant fibers referring the total amount of plant fibers and thermoplastic resin as to 100% by weight, which comprises, in this order, a spinning process for melt-spinning a thermoplastic resin (a polypropylene-based resin) containing an acid-modified thermoplastic resin (maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene, etc.) to give thermoplastic resin fibers; a fiber-mixing process for combining plant fibers (kenaf fibers, etc.) with the thermoplastic resin fibers to give a fiber mixture; and a heating process for melting the thermoplastic resin fibers in the fiber mixture.
US08309003B2
An IPP resin material capable of improving the adhesive strength between a transparent electrode and an IPP resin layer is disclosed. The IPP resin material includes: a liquid pre-polymer including a mono-functional monomer, a di-functional monomer including a monomer containing an ether group, and a tri-functional monomer including pentaerythritol triacrylate; a photo initiator; and a adhesion promoter, wherein the monomer containing the ether group includes any one of poly(propylene glycol)diacrylate, poly(propylene glycol)dimethacrylate, propylene glycol diacrylate), and tri(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate.
US08308998B2
The polarizing film of the present invention contains the azo compound represented by the following general formula (I). In the general formula (I), Q represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, X represents a cationic group, a nitro group, a cyano group, or a hydroxyl group, and M represents a counter ion.
US08308979B2
An ink for an organic electroluminescent device includes a functional material, a first solvent, a second solvent, and a third solvent. The functional material is for forming a functional layer of the organic electroluminescent device. The first solvent is for dissolving the functional material. The second solvent has a diester backbone and a second boiling point that is at most equal to a first boiling point of the first solvent or greater than the first boiling point of the first solvent by at most 20° C. The third solvent is an aliphatic alcohol and has a third boiling point that is less than the first boiling point of the first solvent and less than the second boiling point of the second solvent.
US08308973B2
A selenium ink comprising a chemical compound having a formula RZ—Sex—Z′R′ stably dispersed in a liquid carrier is provided, wherein the selenium ink is hydrazine free and hydrazinium free. Also provided are methods of preparing the selenium ink and of using the selenium ink to deposit selenium on a substrate for use in the manufacture of a variety of chalcogenide containing semiconductor materials, such as, thin film transistors (TFTs), light emitting diodes (LEDs); and photoresponsive devices (e.g., electrophotography (e.g., laser printers and copiers), rectifiers, photographic exposure meters and photovoltaic cells) and chalcogenide containing phase change memory materials.
US08308970B2
An acid-base mixture composed of a base component and an acid component wherein at least either the base component or the acid component is composed of at least two different compounds is characterized in that at least one base in the base component is represented by the formula (1) below. An ion conductor is characterized by being composed of an acid-base mixture which is composed of a base component composed of a base represented by the formula (2) below and an acid component. (In the formula (1), R1, R2 and R3 represent a hydrocarbon group having 1-20 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom, and at least one of them is a hydrocarbon group.) (In the formula (2), R1, R2 and R3 represent a hydrocarbon group having 1-20 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom, and R1 and R3 are not the same.)
US08308966B2
A method for performing a double pattering process of a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming a hard mask layer having a stack structure of a first layer, a second layer and a third layer in sequence, forming a first photoresist pattern over the hard mask layer, etching the third layer to form third layer patterns by using the first photoresist pattern as an etch barrier, forming a second photoresist pattern over the third layer patterns, etching the second layer to form second layer patterns by using the second photoresist pattern and the third layer patterns as an etch barrier, removing the second photoresist pattern, and etching the first layer to form first layer patterns by using the second layer patterns as an etch barrier.
US08308965B2
According to one embodiment, a stamper manufacturing method includes forming a conductive material concentration gradient layer including the projections pattern, and a composition ratio of a buffering agent to a conductive material in the conductive material concentration gradient layer reducing in a thickness direction from a master side.
US08308963B2
The present invention discloses an etchant for etching at least two different metal layers, the etchant comprising hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and one of carboxylic acid, carboxylate salt, and acetyl group (CH3CO—). The present invention also discloses a method of fabricating a metal wiring on a substrate, the method comprising forming a first metal layer on a substrate, forming a second metal layer on the first metal layer, and simultaneously etching the first metal layer and the second metal layer with an etchant comprising hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and one of carboxylic acid, carboxylate salt, and acetyl group (CH3CO—).
US08308952B2
A liquid chromatographic system is provided including catalytically combining hydrogen and oxygen gases in the chromatography eluent stream in a catalytic gas elimination chamber, to form water and thereby reduce the gas content in the eluent stream. Also, a liquid ion chromatographic system in which the effluent from the detector is recycled to a membrane suppressor and then is mixed with a source of eluent for recycle to the chromatographic column.
US08308949B1
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.
US08308945B2
Methods and systems for processing organic waste material are provided. These methods and systems include integrating an anaerobic bio-digester and nutrient recovery module with a bio-production facility, which can locally provide feedstock for the bio-production facility, and can locally provide organic material for the anaerobic bio-digester. Methods and systems for integrating an anaerobic bio-digester with a gas cleaner are also provided, which can recover nutrients while cleaning the biogas produced by the anaerobic bio-digester.
US08308939B2
Flat-sheet membrane filter assemblies require open space around equipment to form a viable path for an internal recycle or roll pattern. Creating a dedicated roll pattern for individual filter assemblies is space intensive and imposes process constraints on tank dimensions. A hollow wall or series of pipes forms a recycle wall designed to consolidate roll patterns and reduces space requirements. The recycle wall is designed such that the structural components also serve as a mixed liquor distribution system for the necessary roll pattern. Fixed vertically oriented conduit and sectional channel pieces allow for easy access and removal of membrane filter assemblies installed side by side. Feeding mixed liquor, air and or influent to the bottom of filter assemblies via submerged conduit improves process efficiency when coupled with return channels spaced not more than 10 feet away and above assemblies. The system is particularly advantageous for flat-sheet membrane filter units used in SMBR applications but is adaptable to other technologies including tubular and hollow-fiber membrane filter assemblies.
US08308938B2
A three-way diverter assembly with a movable member is provided. The three-way diverter assembly includes a housing having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet and the second inlet are adapted to receive a fluid. The movable member, disposed in the housing adjacent the first inlet, is rotatable about an axis from a first positional limit to a second positional limit, and selectively positional therebetween. Fuel cell systems having the three-way diverter assembly for regulating temperature and humidity of a fuel cell stack are also provided.
US08308936B2
A heat pump type hot water supply device is provided with a heat source side heat pump unit having a heat radiating heat exchanger that condenses refrigerant to radiate heat from the refrigerant. The hot water supply device is provided with a water tank that stores water, a water supply pipe that supplies water to the water tank from the outside, a water circulation pipe that is extended in a bypassing manner and circulates the water in the water tank from a bottom section to an upper section, a heat absorbing heat exchanger that is arranged on the water circulation pipe and connected to the heat radiating heat exchanger of the heat source side heat pump unit so as to absorb heat, and a hot water supply unit that comprises a hot water supply pipe that supplies warm water in the upper section of the water tank to the outside.
US08308931B2
An apparatus for electroplating a layer of metal on the surface of a wafer includes an ionically resistive ionically permeable element located in close proximity of the wafer (preferably within 5 mm of the wafer surface) which serves to modulate ionic current at the wafer surface, and a second cathode configured to divert a portion of current from the wafer surface. The ionically resistive ionically permeable element in a preferred embodiment is a disk made of a resistive material having a plurality of perforations formed therein, such that perforations do not form communicating channels within the body of the disk. The provided configuration effectively redistributes ionic current in the plating system allowing plating of uniform metal layers and mitigating the terminal effect.
US08308928B2
A method is provided for applying a cover layer (9) to a net structure (4) to be used for medical purposes, in particular a thrombosis filter. The net structure (4) is applied to a planar substrate (1) that covers openings (5) of the net structure on one side, wherein the openings (5) across the uncovered side are filled with a sacrificial material (7), in particular copper. The net structure (4) is lifted from the substrate (1). A cover layer (9) is deposited on the surface previously covered by the substrate, and the sacrificial material (7) is removed.
US08308927B2
The invention relates to textiles, reservoirs, or films which may be switchably rendered hydrophilic or hydrophobic for liquid wicking, repelling, moving, holding, absorbing, drying, wetting, dispensing, and other means of electrically manipulation of liquids.
US08308923B2
The present invention discloses a biosensor strip, which comprises: a base plate layer defining a first strip end and a second strip end; a conductive layer being disposed on the base plate layer and partitioned into at least two electrode paths; a reagent containing layer being disposed on the conductive layer and comprising a first through hole that is located at the first strip end and for accommodating a reagent solution, wherein the reagent solution comprises matrix, redox mediator, enzyme, surfactant, and a buffer solution; a channel forming layer being disposed on the reagent containing layer and comprising a gap portion that is located at the first strip end; and a cover layer being disposed on the channel forming layer and comprising a second through hole that exposes the partial area of the gap portion of the channel forming layer.
US08308922B2
Electrochemical transducer arrays are already known from the prior art. According to the invention, the transducer array is provided with at least one flexible, planar metal substrate on which at least one flexible insulator having a firm connection between the metal surface and the insulator surface is disposed. The metal substrate and the insulator disposed thereon are structured in such a manner as to give metal areas which are electrically insulated the one from the other and which serve as sensor areas. The metal substrate used is self-contained so that the structured metal areas can be contacted from the lower side.
US08308889B2
Method and apparatus for curing composite material to form composite structures are provided. A curing tool in one embodiment includes cured nano tube impregnated resin, at least two conductors formed in the nano tube impregnated resin, at least one layer of cured composite material and at least one insulation layer separating the cured composite material from the nano tube impregnated resin.
US08308878B2
Magnesium-based alloy wire excelling in strength and toughness, its method of manufacture, and springs in which the magnesium-based alloy wire is utilized are made available. The magnesium-based alloy wire contains, in mass %, 0.1 to 12.0% Al, and 0.1 to 1.0% Mn, and is provided with the following constitution. Diameter d that is 0.1 mm or more and 10.0 mm or less; length L that is 1000 d or more; tensile strength that is 250 MPa or more; necking-down rate that is 15% or more; and elongation that is 6% or more. Such wire is produced by draw-forming it at a working temperature of 50° C. or more, and by heating it to a temperature of 100° C. or more and 300° C. or less after the drawing process has been performed.
US08308871B2
Methods and apparatus for cleaning undesired substances from a surface in a semiconductor processing chamber. An cleaning gas mixture is formed onsite and stored in a buffer tank for a time, prior to its introduction into a semiconductor processing chamber, to remove an undesired substance from a surface in the chamber. The undesired substance is removed without the generation of a plasma in the chamber, and at a temperature of less than 300° C.
US08308862B2
An optical cellulose acylate film comprising a polymer component which is a cellulose acylate obtained by substituting hydroxyl groups of a cellulose by an acetyl group and an acyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms, wherein a substitution degree A of the acetyl group and a substitution degree B of the acyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms satisfy the following formulae (I) and (II): 2.0≦A+B≦3.0 (I), 0
US08308861B2
A phase change material (PCM) composition comprises a blend of at least one fatty acid ester and at least one ethylene copolymer, wherein the ethylene copolymer comprises at least 28% of an at least one polar comonomer by weight, based on the weight of the ethylene copolymer. A film or sheet comprises or is produced from the PCM composition and the film or sheet can be a single layer or multilayer structure.
US08308860B2
A laser-markable composition comprises a marking component and an organic compound, wherein the organic compound absorbs laser radiation at 780 to 2000 nm and thereby causes the marking component to change color, and wherein the organic compound has an absorptivity ratio, A r, of at least 1.25, wherein the absorptivity ratio is defined as formula (I): wherein: Ap780-2000 nm is an absorbance peak in the wavelength region of 780 to 2000 nm; and Aave600-700 nm is the average absorbance in the wavelength region of 400 to 700 nm. A y = A p 780 - 2000 nm A ave 400 - 700 nm ( I )
US08308858B2
Embodiments as described herein provide methods for depositing a material on a substrate during electroless deposition processes, as well as compositions of the electroless deposition solutions. In one embodiment, the substrate contains a contact aperture having an exposed silicon contact surface. In another embodiment, the substrate contains a contact aperture having an exposed silicide contact surface. The apertures are filled with a metal contact material by exposing the substrate to an electroless deposition process. The metal contact material may contain a cobalt material, a nickel material, or alloys thereof. Prior to filling the apertures, the substrate may be exposed to a variety of pretreatment processes, such as preclean processes and activations processes. A preclean process may remove organic residues, native oxides, and other contaminants during a wet clean process or a plasma etch process. Embodiments of the process also provide the deposition of additional layers, such as a capping layer.
US08308854B2
A system for recycling helium carrier gas comprises: a bladder, the bladder interior fluidically configured so as to receive helium-bearing gas output from at least one of a split vent and a septum purge vent of a gas chromatograph; a compartment containing the bladder; a source of pressurized air or gas operable so as to supply pressurized air or gas into the compartment interior so as to compress the bladder containing the helium-bearing gas; a gas reservoir fluidically coupled to the bladder interior so as to receive the helium bearing gas from the compressed bladder interior; and at least one gas purification module configured so as to receive the helium-bearing gas from the gas reservoir and operable to remove contaminants from the helium-bearing gas, an output of the at least one gas purification module being fluidically coupled to a carrier gas inlet of the gas chromatograph.
US08308845B2
Systems and methods for processing high purity materials are disclosed. A unit operation processes a material stream, an operational parameter of the unit operation is monitored, and a standby unit is charged with pressurized gas to achieve system pressure. The material stream is diverted to the standby unit in response to the operational parameter of the unit operation registering a threshold value. Flow exiting the standby unit is first vented via an outlet, and then directed toward a point of use after the pressurized gas has been purged. The unit operation may then be serviced and subsequently brought back online. A second unit operation may process a second material stream simultaneously, and the second material stream may be periodically diverted to the standby unit in like manner, thus reducing line pressure variation. The disclosed method may be performed manually or implemented automatically through use of a controller.
US08308841B2
A clayish composition for forming a sintered silver alloy body capable of forming a sintered silver alloy body, which is not easily discolored even in the atmosphere and has excellent tensile strength, flexural strength, surface hardness (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as ‘mechanical strength’), elongation or the like, powder for the clayish composition for forming a sintered silver alloy body, a method for manufacturing the clayish composition for forming a sintered silver alloy body, a sintered silver alloy body and a method for manufacturing the sintered silver alloy body.
US08308840B2
A continuous method and a production device for producing hydrolysis-resistant stable ionic titanium (Ti4+) are provided. The method comprises six steps: (i) carrying out a redox reaction between metal titanium and excess strong acid; (ii) carrying out primary chelation; (iii) diluting; (iv) adjusting pH value for the first time; (v) carrying out secondary chelation; and (vi) adding microelement and adjusting pH value for a second time. The device includes a reaction kettle, multiple metering pumps, a chelation kettle, dilution tank, multiple precise mixing reaction kettles, a first chelator storage tank, a pure water storage tank, an alkali liquor storage tank, a second chelator storage tank, multiple microelements storage tanks, a control center, etc. The method uses a multi-point, spiral, reverse and atomization spraying technique synchronously to carry out digital fully automatic continuous production and reach the effect of elaborately mixing the material. Also, the method greatly shortens the inter-dissolving time of the materials, easily controls the pH of the solution, and improves the stability of the product.
US08308837B2
A method of forming a sheet member includes feeding first raw slurry into a forming device, dehydrating the first raw slurry to form a first forming body, feeding second raw slurry including inorganic fibers having a minimum diameter substantially equal to or less than 3 micrometers on the dehydrated first slurry, dehydrating the second raw slurry to form a second forming body on the first forming body, feeding third raw slurry into the forming device, dehydrating the third raw slurry to form a third forming body on the first and the second forming bodies, and compressing and dehydrating a forming body having a three-layer structure where the third forming body is formed on the first and the second forming bodies to form a sheet member having a three-layer structure. The first and third raw slurries include inorganic fibers having a minimum diameter substantially greater than 3 micrometers.
US08308835B2
To be able to achieve better compensation for length changes in a cylindrical filter element (100) having a cylindrical filter bellows (11) which is closed off at each of its end faces (1, 2) with an end disk (20), the filter bellows (11) which encloses a central tube (12) and an end disk (20) which serves as fixed bearing and is fixed relative to the central tube (12) or is connected with this is provided, as is a second end disk (20) is configured as movable bearing, with at least the second end disk (20) having an annular shape and being connected via an internal radial ring seal (22) to the central tube (12).
US08308834B2
A composite filter media structure includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a base substrate that includes a nonwoven synthetic fabric formed from a plurality of fibers with a spunbond process. The base substrate has a minimum filtration efficiency of about 50%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure A nanofiber layer is deposited on one side of the base substrate. The composite filter media structure has a minimum filtration efficiency of about 75%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure.
US08308832B2
A dust separating and collecting apparatus is provided. The dust separating and collecting apparatus includes a dust bin housing a centrifugal dust separating portion therein, and an inner cover comprising a passage shifting protrusion extended to an open surface of the centrifugal dust separating portion through which dusts may be discharged, the inner cover covering an open surface of the dust bin.
US08308831B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides a filter cleaning mechanism comprising: a filter material (37) for filtering out dust and dirt particles from air passing therethrough; a frame (32, 34, 35, 38, 39) for supporting said filter material (37); devices (31, 296; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) for mechanically agitating said filter material to dislodge dust and dirt particles therefrom; wherein the devices for mechanically agitating said filter material comprises elements (31, 296; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) for deforming said frame within its elastic limit and elements (31, 296; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) for rapidly releasing said frame from said deformation to cause said frame to relax to an undeformed state. The present invention also provides a hand-holdable vacuum cleaner comprising such a filter cleaning mechanism, as well as a method of cleaning a filter assembly (30) comprising a filter material (37) and a frame (32, 34, 35, 38, 39) for supporting said filter material (37), wherein the method comprises the steps of deforming the frame within its elastic limit and rapidly releasing the frame from said deformation, thereby causing the frame to relax to an undeformed state.
US08308820B2
A container security device includes a housing, electronic circuitry, and cabling. The electronic circuitry is disposed within the housing, and includes first and second microprocessor functions and an interface for accepting and providing data. The cabling is removably coupled to the housing, provides the only communicative coupling between the first microprocessor function and the second microprocessor function, and is adapted to be attached to a container latch so as to break the communicative coupling if the latch is opened. The housing includes a port for the electronic circuitry interface. A method of providing container security includes closing a container using a latch device and removably coupling the cabling to the housing so that the communicative coupling is broken if the latch is opened., providing the only communicative coupling between the first microprocessor function and the second microprocessor function.
US08308814B2
Methods and devices are provided for preparing and implanting tissue scaffolds. Various embodiments of scribing tools are provided that are configured to mark one or more predetermined shapes around a defect site in tissue. The shape or shapes marked in tissue can be used to cut a tissue scaffold having a shape that matches the shape or shapes marked in tissue. In one embodiment, the scribing tool used to mark a shape in tissue can also be used to cut the tissue scaffold.
US08308806B2
A first articulating member for use with a second articulating member to form a prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty for a joint formed between adjacent first and second bones in which a bone fragment having an exterior surface has separated from the first bone is provided. The first articulating member includes an articulating portion having an articulation surface for articulation with the second articulating member and an attaching portion connected to the articulating portion for attachment to the first bone. The first articulating member also includes a fragment portion connected to at least one of the articulating portion and the insertion portion. The fragment portion includes a surface for contact with the external periphery of the bone fragment.
US08308801B2
Provided is an intervertebral disc prostheses for installation in a spinal column between superior and inferior vertebral bodies. A first intervertebral plate engages one or both of the inferior vertebral endplate and the inferior ring apophysis of the superior vertebral body. A second intervertebral plate engages one or both of the superior vertebral endplate and the superior ring apophysis of the inferior vertebral body. A biaxial rolling-contact core is located between the intervertebral plates. The core includes a convex upper surface and a convex lower surface. The upper surface is curved around a first axis and the lower surface is curved around a second axis that is rotated relative to the first axis. The core is capable of rolling translation relative to the first intervertebral plate along the upper surface and in a first direction, and rolling translation relative to the second intervertebral plate along the lower surface and in a second direction. A flexure constrains the biaxial rolling-contact core to a rolling translation without sliding in at least one of said first direction and said second direction.
US08308797B2
The present invention comprises a percutaneously implantable replacement heart valve device and a method of making same. The replacement heart valve device comprises a stent member made of stainless steel or self-expanding nitinol, a biological tissue artificial valve means disposed within the inner space of the stent member. An implantation and delivery system having a central part which consists of a flexible hollow tube catheter that allows a metallic wire guide to be advanced inside it. The endovascular stented-valve is a glutaraldehyde fixed bovine pericardium which has two or three cusps that open distally to permit unidirectional blood flow. The present invention also comprises a novel method of making a replacement heart valve by taking a rectangular fragment of bovine pericardium treating, drying, folding and rehydrating it in such a way that forms a two- or three-leaflet/cusp valve with the leaflets/cusps formed by folding, thereby eliminating the extent of suturing required, providing improved durability and function.
US08308794B2
Several different smart stent structures are described for placement in vessel of a mammal. The stents can be advantageously used to perform measurements of the conditions in the vessel and transmit the measurements wireless out from the patient. In some embodiments, the stent performs therapy within the vessel and may be controlled with a microprocessor, which may or may not communicate wirelessly. Some implantable devices comprise a drug delivery system based, for example, on either a microelectromechanical structure or a cover that opens upon application of an electrical current. Smart devices can be used, for example, the detect deposits in a vessel, aneurysms in the vessel or other modifications of flow in the vessel.
US08308790B2
A delivery system for endovascularly delivering a prosthesis along a guidewire to a curved implantation site includes a delivery device having control handle and an inner lumen slidably disposed in the handle between a retracted position and an extended position. The inner lumen has a distal end and a tip at the distal end of the inner lumen. An intermediate lumen is slidably disposed about the inner lumen and has a distal end. A relatively flexible prosthesis sheath is connected to the distal end of the intermediate lumen and a relatively stiff outer lumen is axially fixedly connected to the handle about the intermediate lumen. The outer lumen has a length only long enough to be inserted in a patient's aorta no further than the patient's celiac axis.
US08308783B2
A collapsible bone screw for healing bone fragments across a bone fracture includes an externally threaded inner screw member and an externally threaded outer screw member. The inner screw member is initially screwed into an inner bone portion. An unthreaded portion of the outer screw member is movably joined to the inner screw member. The outer screw member is screwed until it gains purchase in an outer bone portion. As impaction occurs over time, the collapsible bone screw apparatus may shorten in length as the two screw members slide, telescope or otherwise axially move toward each other to shorten the overall length, thereby preventing any portion of the screw apparatus from protruding out of the bone. A bone screw kit of multiple inner and outer screw members are provided as well as a method of surgically fastening bone fragments.
US08308773B2
Disclosed is a pedicle screw. By changing the structure of a threaded portion of a locking bolt engaged with a head of the pedicle screw and forming a groove on the locking bolt, the threaded portion is pressed in a fastening direction of the locking bolt, so that when a head of the pedicle screw is fastened to the locking bolt, a fixation cap is not released by the force applied from the head expanding towards an outside, and thus the locking bolt is easily fastened to the head of a screw body, thereby improving an inefficiency factor such as delay of surgical operation time due to release or interference of the fixation cap.
US08308769B2
Improved implant devices and methods for interspinous distraction distribute the load of interspinous distraction so that the entire load is not bearing on the interspinous surfaces. The implant device has a narrow midsection and two wider, flange-shaped outer sections. The wider, flange-shaped outer sections can be tightened to bear against the thicker bony portions of the spinous processes to support some of the load. Optionally, the wider, flange-shaped outer sections can be configured with pins that will penetrate and engage the thicker bony portions of the spinous processes, which will increase the load bearing potential of the wider, flange-shaped outer sections. Additionally, the wider, flange-shaped outer sections and the pins will help to stabilize the joint. The joint stabilization may help to prevent further dislocation of the vertebra that occurs with spondylolisthesis.
US08308767B2
A spinal stabilization system includes vertebral engagement members and an intermediate structure. The vertebral engagement members are configured to be disposed between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The vertebral engagement members generally include seating surfaces for accommodating at least a portion of a laminar region of adjacent vertebra and are adjustable between an operable and inoperable configuration. The intermediate structure extends between the vertebral engagement members. The structural cooperation of the vertebral engagement members and the intermediate structure is such that the engagement members distract the adjacent vertebrae.
US08308759B2
A device and method for deploying a mechanical closure device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The single disc mechanical closure device is comprise of a distal and proximal anchor constrained by a closure line to facilitate mechanical closure by bringing the distal and proximal anchors into close proximity along the closure line.
US08308750B2
An intravascular device, which may be a filter, that may include a plurality of elongate members, each or several of the elongate members may have one or more inwardly facing edges disposed at and near the part of the intravascular device configured to contact the vessel wall for cutting through the intima or other encapsulating tissue, each of the elongate member may also include an anchoring member or other desired components.
US08308746B2
The invention relates to a tissue morcellator for minimally invasive surgery. The morcellator has a metallic cutting ring mounted on a visually transparent hollow cylinder, which in combination with a visually transparent outer morcellator tube enables a surgeon to visualize the inside of the morcellator shaft for detection of loose tissue fragments in the device. A tenaculum used with the morcellation device has a spacer for preventing contact with the blade. The cutting tube can oscillate, rather than rotate, along the longitudinal axis of the cutting tube. The morcellator utilizes an extendable tissue guide on the outer tube of the morcellator shaft for preventing the tissue from rotating along the longitudinal axis of the morcellator tube. This allows the tissue to be continuously rotated into the morcellator device for continuous peel. The tissue guide can also be fully retracted to allow for coring of the bulk tissue.
US08308739B2
A medical retrieval device may include an elongated member having first and second end portions and a middle portion, The elongated member may be configured such that the first and second end portions are proximal one another and extend substantially parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis The middle portion may have an unconstrained basket configuration A first sheath may be configured to receive at least a portion of the first end portion, and a second sheath may be configured to receive at least a portion of the second end portion At least one of the first and second sheaths may be movable relative to the middle portion so as to constrain the middle portion in an elongated configuration.
US08308738B2
Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device, and in particular for performing various surgical procedures using an instrument having an end effector that can be articulated relative to an elongate shaft of the device. In certain embodiments, the end effector can also optionally rotate relative to the elongate shaft of the device, and/or the shaft can rotate relative to a handle of the device.
US08308737B2
A small gauge surgical instrument assembly is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. In particular, very small and flexible instruments for vitreous surgery are shown with selectable stiffness, thus providing control as well as access to all parts of the vitreous cavity. Embodiments as shown are safer, and increase the variety of cases for which these instruments can be used.
US08308723B2
Tissue-penetrating guidewires with shaped tips, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A patient treatment system in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a tissue-penetrating guidewire that in turn includes a flexible segment having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The flexible segment is elongated along an elongation axis. A penetrating member is positioned at the distal portion and includes at least one blade segment having a tapered outer peripheral surface and an adjacent generally sharp edge. The blade segment extends to a distal end of the penetrating member to form a generally blunt tip. In operation, the guidewire can be connected to an electrical current source to deliver high frequency current to the penetrating member.
US08308721B2
A surgical system includes: a treatment portion for treating living body tissue targeted for treatment; an ultrasound supplying section for supplying ultrasound via ultrasound transducers which produce ultrasound vibration; a radio-frequency electrical power supplying section for supplying, to the treatment portion, radio-frequency electrical power having an output wave-form defined by a base frequency and a repetition frequency; and a controlling section for controlling at least one of a voltage root-mean-square value and a crest factor, so that the voltage peak value of the output wave-form of the radio-frequency electrical power does not exceed a fixed value.
US08308720B2
A method of accessing a pericardial cavity of a heart is disclosed, comprising delivering electrical energy to a pericardium in a manner which creates a channel substantially through a parietal pericardium and does not substantially affect myocardial tissue.
US08308718B2
A cryosurgical instrument and a method for separating a tissue sample from surrounding tissue of a biological tissue that is to be treated. The cryosurgical instrument includes a probe for guiding a probe head on to a biological tissue to be treated, and gas conduits for delivering coolant gas. The probe head is designed so that, in order to collect a tissue sample, a limited region of the tissue is cooled by means of the gas delivered and is separated from the surrounding tissue in a state in which it is frozen on the probe head. The instrument includes a support tube or hose in which the probe is guided and which can be moved relative to the probe in such a way that the surrounding tissue can be counter-supported during separation of the tissue sample.
US08308715B2
An apparatus and method for stabilizing a cannula to a vascular structure. The stabilizer includes a ring that circumferentially surrounds the cannula. Three or more struts extend distally from the ring and are outwardly-deflected by a first angle relative to a first axis that is parallel to a lengthwise central axis of the cannula. Each strut includes a contact pad that radially extends from the strut and is distally-deflected by a second angle relative to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. Three or more arms extend proximally from the ring and each arm opposes one of the struts. The arms are inwardly-deflected by a third angle relative to the first axis. The stabilizer is configured to move relative to the cannula until the contact pads engage the vascular structure, causing the arms to engage and resist further movement of the stabilizer relative to the cannula.
US08308713B2
A medical catheter assembly including a multi-piece connector. In one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a PEG implanting assembly comprising a tubular dilator and a silicone feeding tube having an internal bolster at its rear end. The assembly also comprises a multi-piece connector comprising an inner ring, a fitting and an outer ring. The inner ring has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the feeding tube and is coaxially disposed within the feeding tube by a friction-fit. The fitting comprises a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion, the intermediate portion including a shoulder having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the feeding tube. The front portion of the fitting is inserted through the rear end of the dilator and is secured to the dilator by a plurality of barbs. The shoulder and the rear portion of the fitting are inserted into the feeding tube through its rear end, with the rear portion of the fitting being inserted into the inner ring and secured thereto by mating threads. The outer ring is inserted over the feeding tube and is positioned between the shoulder and the inner ring, the outer ring being sized to securely retain the feeding tube between the outer ring and the inner ring and between the outer ring and the shoulder.
US08308711B2
A catheter which has an elongated shaft having a layer of an ultra high molecular weight polyolefin, such as a melt-extruded ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The UHMWPE, forming at least in part a surface of the shaft, facilitates sliding a blood/contrast coated device along the shaft surface, and preferably substantially prevents or inhibits agglomerations of blood and contrast from adhering to the surface of the shaft in a patient's body lumen. In a presently preferred embodiment, the layer has a lubricious coating, such that the coated surface of the UHMWPE layer significantly decreases the force produced by the blood/contrast coated device sliding along the coated surface.
US08308709B2
Described herein are methods and devices for selectively applying fluids (particularly anesthetics) to a target tissue from within a blood vessel while minimizing the amount of fluid applied to non-target tissue. The injection catheters described herein may include an elongate body, a directional injector, and one or more holdfasts for securing the catheter before extending the injector. The methods of selectively applying anesthetic to a target structure generally include the steps of inserting an injection catheter into a body vessel, positioning the injection catheter within the body vessel near the target structure, anchoring the injection catheter before extending a directional injector from the injection catheter, and applying anesthetic from the injection catheter to the target structure.
US08308688B2
A patient controlled liquid drug administration device is provided that enables either or both of a continuous flow of a liquid drug, as well as successive, large-volume boluses thereof, to be self-administered to and by a patient while avoiding bolus refill during bolus delivery or after bolus delivery but before an intake stroke of the pump occurs. The device includes an elongated housing having an axial cavity extending through it with a reciprocating pump mounted at a bottom end thereof. The pump defines a closed internal reservoir and includes a first wall, or seat, that is fixed in the cavity, and a second, flexible wall that is axially movable in the cavity in relation to the fixed wall between reservoir-full and reservoir-empty positions. The pump includes an inlet port that is connectable to a source of a pressurized liquid drug by an inlet conduit, and an outlet port subcutaneously connectable to the patient by an outlet conduit, both conduits extending out the bottom end of the housing. An outlet clamp is mounted in the cavity to move between a closed position constricting the outlet conduit of the pump, thereby preventing the flow of the liquid drug through the outlet conduit, and an open position. An inlet clamp is mounted in the cavity to move between a closed position constricting the inlet conduit and thereby preventing the flow of liquid through it, and an open position disengaged from the inlet conduit, thereby allowing the flow of liquid through it.
US08308686B2
Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball.
US08308681B2
A device for mixing and delivering a mixture of fluids to a target site includes a tube for containing the mixture. A compressible auger for mixing the fluids is movably disposed within the tube, one end of the auger being free at the distal end of the tube. A plunger is also movable within the tube in communication with the other end of the auger. When the plunger is moved axially within the tube the auger also moves axially and the auger is compressed to dispense the fluid. The mixing and delivery device can be used with an apparatus for the arthroscopic delivery of a tissue repair material to a repair site. The apparatus includes a first sheath and a second sheath removably attached to the first sheath for delivering the tissue repair material to the repair site.
US08308680B1
An infusion system to administer a fluid includes an infusion pump with a pump processor, a pump memory to store a plurality of configurable alarms and a pump radio to enable bi-directional communication. The infusion system further includes a controller that has a controller processor, a controller memory, a controller radio to transmit and receive communication from the pump radio. The controller further has a graphical user interface shown on a display along with controls to manipulate the graphical user interface. Furthermore, the bi-directional communication between the infusion pump and the controller establish an infusion pump relative proximity between the infusion pump and the controller such that when the infusion pump relative proximity exceeds a pump threshold distance at least one of the plurality of configurable alarm conditions of the infusion pump is modified.
US08308675B2
An applicator device capable of housing an insertable element includes a plunger member that is slideably engaged with the insertion member and has an insertion end and a gripper end. The gripper end of the plunger member consists of a locking mechanism having a diameter greater than the diameter of the plunger member. The insertion member also includes a locking mechanism that is capable of engaging the locking mechanism of the plunger member that may prevent the plunger member from withdrawal.
US08308674B1
Multifunction needle/catheter devices and applications. In one instance, the device includes a substantially tubular and flexible catheter, where the catheter has an opening at an end of a distal section of the catheter and one or more apertures longitudinally spaced away from the end of the distal section, and a removable substantially rigid core capable of facilitating vein cannulization, the removable substantially rigid core being disposed within the catheter.
US08308661B2
A device, such as an implantable medical device (IMD), programming device, or other computing device determines when a patient is attempting to sleep. When the device determines that the patient is attempting to sleep, the device determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep based on at least one physiological parameter of the patient. When the device determines that the patient is not attempting to sleep, the device periodically determines activity levels of the patient. Activity metric values may be determined based on the determined activity levels. A clinician may use sleep quality information and patient activity information presented by a programming device to, for example, evaluate the effectiveness of therapy delivered to the patient by a medical device.
US08308660B2
The invention is directed to a guidewire having a distal section with multiple distally tapered core segments with at least two contiguous distally tapering core segments in which the most distal tapered core segment preferably has a greater degree of taper than the proximally contiguous tapered core segment. The invention is also directed to an elongated intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire or section thereof, that has a core member or the like with a plurality of contiguous tapered segments having taper angles that are configured to produce a linear change in stiffness over a longitudinal section of the device. The device may also have a core section with a continuously changing taper angle to produce a curvilinear profile that preferably is configured to produce a linear change in stiffness of the core over a longitudinal section of the device.
US08308647B2
A method of measuring blood pressure of a patient is provided. The method comprises inflating a blood pressure cuff to a user selectable target pressure and subsequently further inflating or deflating the blood pressure cuff in a stepwise manner by a predetermined pressure amount. At each pressure step in a first sequence of alternate steps of cuff pressure variation, the occurrence of at least two successive oscillometric pulses with matching pulse amplitude and other possible matching criteria is identified. The blood pressure cuff is inflated following the identification. Further a single oscillometric pulse is obtained at each pressure step in a second sequence of alternate steps of cuff pressure variation. The pattern of inflating, obtaining two matching oscillometric pulses, inflating, and obtaining a single oscillometric pulse is repeated until sufficient oscillometric envelope information is obtained for determining one or more blood pressure parameters of the patient.
US08308645B2
An ultrasonic scanhead including an encoder, a pivot, a voice coil motor, and a transducer is provided. The encoder includes a fixed element and a rotary element. The rotary element is disposed at the fixed element and capable of rotating about a first axis. The pivot is through the encoder and capable of rotating with the rotary element. The pivot extends along a second axis and has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The voice coil motor includes a stator and a mover. The first end of the pivot is connected to the mover. The mover is capable of moving linearly along a third axis. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are substantially perpendicular to each other. The transducer is disposed at the second end of the pivot and capable of emitting an ultrasonic wave.
US08308641B2
A highly portable biometric monitor is disclosed. At least one remote sensor member (12, 12′) includes one or more biometric sensors (20, 22, 24, 25) configured for operative coupling with a patient. A neck collar (14, 114, 214, 314, 414) includes electronics (36, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) for operating the at least one remote sensor member. The at least one remote sensor member is separate from and not disposed on the neck collar. Optionally, the collar also includes one or more biometric sensors (53). A communication link (18) operatively connects the remote sensor member and the electronics of the neck collar. A motion sensor (26) and position sensor (28) may be disposed with the one or more biometric sensors to sense movement and position, and the electronics (36, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) configured to account for error in a signal produced by the one or more biometric sensors due to movement sensed by the motion sensor or position sensed by the position sensor. The electronics (36, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) may log patient activity and body position.
US08308636B2
A device for a rectoscope including a main pipe which is provided, at a first end portion, with a connection sub arranged to receive an optics head, and an elongated insertion portion, a second end portion being provided with a rectoscope mouth, and the center bore of the main pipe being arranged to receive an insertion cone, at least one fluid line being arranged in the main pipe, the fluid line extending from the first end portion to a second end portion of the main pipe.
US08308634B2
An endoscope includes an insertion portion which has a bending portion, a wire which is fixed to an end of a distal side of the bending portion and is pushed along the insertion portion, an operating portion which is provided on a proximal side of the insertion portion opposite to the bending portion, and a wire-connecting member which is interposed in the wire between the insertion portion and the operating portion to form an allowance in a in which the wire is pushed and pulled, wherein a portion of the wire between the wire-receiving member and the wire-connecting member is inserted into the coil spring so that the coil covers a surface of the portion of the wire.
US08308633B2
A manipulator operation system includes a treatment instrument distal end movement control section having an endoscope treatment instrument having a bending portion and a distal end portion, a bending driving section and a bending operating section. The manipulator operation system includes imaging mechanism having an imaging section that includes an optical system having a field curvature, images, observing mechanism having a display section that displays a taken image, detecting mechanism having a detecting section that detects an arrangement position of the distal end portion, field curvature information acquiring mechanism having a field curvature information acquiring section that acquires field curvature information of the taken image, and adjusting mechanism having an adjustment section that adjusts a ratio of an operation amount of the bending operating section and a driving amount of the bending driving section based on the arrangement position and the field curvature information.
US08308626B2
A rotor unit for a centrifugal separator, which centrifugal separator comprises a non-rotatable housing wherein the rotor unit is disposed about a central axis of rotation, an inlet for supply of a mixture of components to be separated, at least one outlet for a component separated during operation, whereby the rotor unit, at least parts of which are made of metal, comprises a separating chamber formed inside the rotor unit, an inlet chamber connected to the inlet and the separating chamber, is formed radially within said separating chamber and is usually shielded from the separating chamber, at least one outlet connected to the separating chamber, a plurality of separating discs disposed at a distance axially from one another in said separating chamber coaxially with the axis of rotation, at least a number of the metal parts of said rotor unit are undetachably joined together to form a composite assembly.
US08308620B2
A multipurpose exercise machine requiring only three points of adjustment centrally located. It has a one point height adjustment and two adjustments for the rotating arm assemblies. Dip and chin up bars are attached to the arm assemblies. The machine contains an integrated swingable workout bench. Through the use of a pulley system and counter balance assembly, the cable system maintains tension and provides a constant length of cable.
US08308614B2
A rehabilitation device for arms has an operating module, a control module and an inductive module. The operating module has a base, a body and multiple operating segments. The operating segments are connected to the body and each has a lever, a resisting panel and a resisting device. The control module is connected to the operating module and has a switch, a microcomputer, a resistance controller, an import interface, an export interface and a monitor. The resisting control device is electrically connected to the microcomputer and the operating segments. The inductive module is electrically connected to the operating module and the control module and has an inductive segment and a counter segment. The inductive segment is electrically connected to the microcomputer and has multiple pressure sensors. The counter segment is electrically connected to the inductive segment and the microcomputer and has multiple photoelectric sensors.
US08308600B2
A transmission device with at least two output shafts and at least two multi-shaft planetary gearsets being actively connected. A shaft of each gearset can be actively connected with an output shaft. A shifting mechanism is provided, between the two output shafts, for shifting between a first power path and a second power path. In the area of a further shaft of one of the planetary gearsets, torque from an electric machine flows along the first or the second power path. When the first power path is engaged, the torque from the electric machine flows in equal parts and with the same sign to the two output shafts, and when the second power path is engaged, the torque flows to the two output shafts in equal parts but with opposite signs. A motor output shaft of the electric machine is arranged perpendicularly to one of the two output shafts.
US08308596B2
A transmission mechanism with intermittent output movement includes an output shaft rotatably mounted to first and second cams and a sun gear mounted to the output shaft. A first rocker includes a first planet gear meshed with the sun gear and first and second rollers rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the first planet gear and respectively in contact with the first and second cams. A second rocker includes a second planet gear meshed with the sun gear. An end of a first connecting rod is mounted to the first rocker. An end of a second connecting rod is mounted to the second rocker. Two ends of a link are rotatably mounted to the other ends of the first and second connecting rods. A planet gear carrier is mounted to an input shaft coaxial to the input shaft and includes an end rotatably mounted to the first rocker.
US08308595B2
A hybrid drive device including an electric motor; an automatic transmission; a first oil passage; and a second oil passage branched from the first oil passage and that guides the oil to a friction element that is engaged for establishment of a speed in the automatic transmission. An orifice is provided in the first oil passage downstream of the second oil passage. A switching valve for the friction element is provided in the second oil passage to be switched between communicated and blocked states. A hydraulic servo for the friction element is supplied with a hydraulic pressure to control the friction element between engaged, disengaged, and slip states. The switching valve includes a control oil chamber that communicates with the hydraulic servo, and is switched into the blocked state when the friction element is disengaged and into the communicated state when the friction element is engaged or the slip state.
US08308594B2
A drivetrain for a hybrid electric vehicle is provided. The drivetrain includes a motor-generator connected to an engine shaft and transmission via a planetary gear set.
US08308588B2
The rubber element is positioned in the drive end of the chain guide and provides dampening and noise reduction for the guide, thereby reducing the overall noise from the meshing of the chain and the guide.
US08308587B1
The present invention is directed to a golf ball possessing an overall unique and perceptively pleasing multi-color appearance and being constructed of at least two layers wherein each layer has at least two discrete color regions which contribute substantially to the golf ball's overall color appearance, the inner and outer layers being strategically positioned and aligned in relation to each other to create the overall golf ball color appearance. A resulting unique overall golf ball multiple color appearance is achieved by the positioning and aligning one layer about another.
US08308581B2
A golf club grip having an outer leather layer that includes a low water absorption leather and a polymeric protection coat. The low water absorption leather has a static water absorption range from about 30% by weight to 20% by weight after completely immersed in water for one hour and a range from 45% by weight to 35% by weight after completely immersed in water for six hours in the test method according to ASTM D6015. The protection coat is bonded to a grain surface of the low water absorption leather to retard the penetration of water and to protect the leather from damages. The outer leather layer is configured either as a single sheet or as a strip, wrapped and adhered onto a lining sleeve to cover a sleeve body of the lining sleeve to form a water repellent leather grip.
US08308576B2
A transmission mechanism of a carving grinder and particularly to a transmission mechanism of a carving grinder capable of maintaining concentricity during rotation and enhancing stability to reduce transmission wobbling is provided. The mechanism includes a motor and a transmission tube coupled through a motor transmission member. The motor transmission member has a shaft and a driving member with an axle held by two bearings to improve steadiness during rotation of the shaft and axle. The axle has an integrated embossed key at one end to achieve concentricity. The transmission tube and motor transmission member and driving member are coupled through a square pin and a square hole to further enhance rotation steadiness.
US08308573B2
The present Gaming Device For Multi-Player Games provides the end user with a private bidirectional link to the gaming site to enter their moves, to 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. The Gaming Device For Multi-Player Games comprises a content display for displaying content that is transmitted to the plurality of end users on the unidirectional forward path, a plurality of controls for enabling an end user to generate data for transmission to at least one of the multicasting system and the plurality of end users, and a message display for displaying end user private communications received at the end user device.
US08308567B2
A gaming network includes a discovery service, gaming machines and services providers. The discovery service receives service information from the service providers and publishes the service information to gaming machines and other entities on the gaming network. The discovery service and service providers may be implemented as web services with a gaming services framework. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. Systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.
US08308562B2
Environmental feedback and/or biofeedback is associated with one or more players' emotions in real time. The emotional feedback is provided to a game device being used by the player, such an electronic gaming machine (EGM). The game device uses the biofeedback and/or environmental feedback to appropriately adjust the game play to maximize the game's entertainment value to the player(s). The player(s) can be identified, and the game device matches the emotional response with certain game elements being presented at that time and associates this matching to the identified player. The matches can be used to make an adjustment to the game device, to the environments, and/or to take some other action. The game device can also store the matches, combined with any collected environmental and/or biometric stimuli, on a game server or player tracking database via the network.
US08308553B2
A gaming system comprising gaming machine terminal means operable by at least one member of a syndicate of members, server means for monitoring interactions on the gaming machine terminal means, wherein the gaming machine terminal means and the server means are linked by a communications network and a syndicate member is able to communicate with another syndicate member using the gaming machine terminal means. A syndicate member is identified to the system through a member identification means and is able to operate the gaming machine terminal means using the member identification means.
US08308541B2
A gaming machine for a betting card game including a main card game and an auxiliary card game and a method of controlling the same, including: by a controller, accepting a bet of a first wager for participation in the main card game; accepting a bet of a second wager as an option for participation in the auxiliary card game; determining an outcome of the main card game in accordance with a game rule for the main card game on a basis of at least two cards being displayed and disclosed for the main card game after termination of acceptance of a bet of the first wager; and determining an outcome of the auxiliary card game in accordance with a game rule for the auxiliary card game on a basis of first and second cards being displayed for the main card game after termination of acceptance of a bet of the second wager.
US08308540B1
The applicants' provide a process for playing “No Dealer Hand” Blackjack/Twenty-One. As such, the uses of, or display of, at least one common deck of Fifty-Two cards is being applied in play action. This process is inclusive to either an encompassing video gaming apparatus or a live action table gaming environment, as accommodated for. In play action, the dealer's hand is replaced with the application of Trigger Numbers, ranging anywhere from Twelve (12) up to Twenty (20), and optional Push Numbers ranging anywhere from Twelve (12) up to Twenty (20). Through such an application, the applicants' present a more mathematically malleable “core margin percentage variance” being afforded for exploitation by Housemasters. Likewise, the mathematical mechanics supporting this broader core margin percentage variance is made possible while simultaneously applying a seamlessly familiar playing experience for patrons. In so doing, the applicants' Trigger & Push Number solutions replacing the Dealer's hand in play action, proffers a whole new frontier for their “Twenty-One” gaming procedure. Indeed, this procedure directly features significantly fatter core margin payoffs for winning hand tallies from the game's Primary & Secondary “Base” or Secondary “Propositions” play actions while still providing for all the necessary elements of a sustainable alternative to the classic Blackjack workhorse for which the public can enthusiastically embrace.
US08308539B1
A letter placement game based on solving for missing characters in empty cells in a grid of characters. The grid includes horizontal rows, vertical rows, and subgrids. Each solution character must be singular in its horizontal row, vertical row, and subgrid. Simultaneously some solution characters must also belong to one or more sets of solution characters (for example, one or more words). Clues are provided for each set of solution characters. Typically, each letter placement game has multiple sets of solution characters. The letter placement game thus has dual sets of requirements, one for singularity rules for every solution character and another for the requirements of sets of solution characters (for example, words).
US08308535B2
A device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry in a processing line is provided. The carcass part is supported on a carrier that moves in the processing line. The device includes device for cutting and/or removing of the wishbone from the carcass part. The device is arranged such that the device for cutting and/or removing of the wishbone can be a knife equipped to cut the wishbone and disconnect it from the membrane and/or ligament with an increased yield of meat that is retained on the carcass part.
US08308510B2
A wire harness includes a cable, a connector including an outer housing including a resin, a cable insertion hole into which an end portion of the cable is inserted, and a concave portion formed on an insertion side of the cable insertion hole, and a welding member including a resin to provide air-tightness between the outer housing and the cable by being welded to the outer housing by ultrasonic welding. The welding member is formed around the cable so as to surround the cable while allowing a gap portion to have a predetermined clearance from the cable, and fitted into the concave portion of the outer housing. Melted resin of the welding member is to flow into the gap portion to form an airtight seal about the cable.
US08308506B2
The present embodiments relate to a cable assembly with ultra-low capacitance. In one embodiment, a cable assembly is provided. The cable assembly includes an insulation layer. The insulation layer includes a low-permittivity insulation material.
US08308497B2
An end cap and socket system for use with a lamp bulb may include an end cap and a socket body. The end cap may include a first cylindrical portion with a first diameter, and a second cylindrical portion with a second diameter smaller than the first cylindrical portion. The socket may a key portion projecting from a front face of the socket. A adaptor for use with a socket may include a key portion. Alternatively, the end can may include a key disk with a key groove cut into the key disk, and the socket may include a key piece with a key rib structured to couple with the key groove. An adaptor for use with an end cap may include an adaptor body portion and a whole, wherein a contact pin can be inserted through the hole. These keying features are intended to prevent improper coupling between mismatched lamps and sockets or insure that the lamp, when mated to the socket, may be rotated in only one direction.
US08308486B2
A surgical-training device for measuring roughness (non-delicate manipulation) during a simulated-surgical technique is described. The device has a housing, a platform, and a sensor module. The platform is movably coupled to the housing, and is configured for three-dimensional motion relative to the housing. The platform is further configured to move from a start position to a displaced position when a force is applied to the platform as a result of a user performing a simulated-surgical technique on the platform. A sensor module, coupled to the housing, is configured to determine when the platform moves a distance (from the start position to the displaced position) that exceeds a preset-threshold distance. If the preset-threshold distance is exceeded, sensor module indicates (by visual and/or auditory alarms within the device, and/or computerized counting and scoring reports) that the user applied excessive force, and was therefore too rough when performing the simulated-surgical technique. A method of manufacturing a surgical-training device is also provided.
US08308483B2
A rotatable drawing device intended for children. The top and sides of said device are attached and are formed to accept drawing mediums such as chalk, water or dry erase marker used to color, write and draw upon this device. The top of the drawing device has a recessed portion to hold the drawing medium when not in use. The drawing device rests upon and is attached to a base platform on which it rotates. The drawing unit is spaced above the base platform so that the drawing cylinder may rotate about its center axis. Feet adhered to the bottom of the base hold the invention off the floor.
US08308482B2
A personal under fire trainer includes a harness holding a wireless receiver and plural electrode leads. The harness can be donned by a trainee and the leads connected to electrodes attached to the trainee's body. A trainer can operate a remote transmitter to send a signal to the receiver, activating one or more electrodes which contract the trainee's muscles, forcing the trainee to react under simulated gun fight conditions while receiving simulated gunshot wounds.
US08308478B2
Improved methods for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances, such as brackets, to the tooth surfaces of dental patients are provided. The methods use a transfer tray to accurately position the brackets on the tooth surfaces. Preferably, the tray is made of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/siloxane material. The brackets are coated with a protective coating to prevent them from becoming embedded in the tray. Preferably, a translucent, blue-tinted coating is used to cover the brackets. Dental restorative materials are used to bond the brackets to the teeth. The transfer tray is then removed from the mouth, while the appliances remain firmly bonded to the tooth surfaces.
US08308475B2
An injection molding apparatus, such as a hot runner or hot half, includes a manifold having a manifold channel and a nozzle having a nozzle channel. The nozzle is coupled to the manifold, and the manifold channel and the nozzle channel are in communication to define a flow channel. A valve pin bushing has a flow restrictor disposed in the flow channel on an upstream side of the valve pin bushing. A moveable valve pin extends through a bore of the valve pin bushing.
US08308472B2
A method of manufacturing or handling a substantially pure object includes shielding the substantially pure object from the environment by substantially enveloping the object in a fluid. A system for manufacturing a substantially pure object includes a mold for forming the object, and a machine adapted to remove the object from the mold. The machine includes a handling device for gripping the object and removing it from the mold. The handling device includes at least one nozzle through which fluid is delivered to substantially envelope the object during, for example, removal of the object from the mold. The object may be a medical object, such as a syringe, or a component or part thereof, such as a syringe barrel or plunger. In a preferred aspect, a molding process is conducted in a room exhibiting less than Class 100 conditions and/or in such a way that the object does not need to be subsequently cleaned or rinsed, as by air or water washing.
US08308469B2
In a spheronizer for transforming columnar granulated product, which is fed in a wet condition, into spherical shapes, irregularities on a top surface of a particle-regulating disc are easily clogged, in particular, in an outer circumference. In view of this, a cleaning device (32) is provided for rapidly and reliably removing wet powders adhering to the particle-regulating disc. The cleaning device (32) is provided with a cover (33) covered on a part of the outer circumference of a rotating particle-regulating disc. The cover (33) is formed with a nozzle (39). The nozzle (39) injects a fluid to a cleaning target surface covered with the cover (33). The fluid in a space formed between the cover (33) and the cleaning target surface is suctioned and discharged from a vacuum connection port (36) to the outside.
US08308466B2
The invention concerns an apparatus (1) for producing a three-dimensional object layer by layer using a powdery material which can be solidified by irradiating it with an energy beam, such as electromagnetic radiation or an electron beam, said apparatus (1) comprising: a working area (3) onto which layers of powdery material are to be placed; a powder storage unit (11) comprising a base surface (13) for supporting a supply of powder (2); and a powder distribution member (6); wherein the base surface (13) extends along a side of the working area (3), wherein the distribution member (6) extends in a direction along the base surface (13) and said side of the working area (3) and is arranged to be moveable in a plane above, and substantially parallel to, the base surface (13) and the working area (3), and wherein the distribution member (6) is arranged to be moveable into a supply of powder (2) placed onto the base surface (13) such as to bring about a transfer of a portion of powder from a side of the distribution member (6) facing away from the working area (3) to an opposite side of the distribution member (6) facing the working area (3), said distribution member (6) further being arranged to be moveable towards and across the working area (3) so as to distribute the portion of powder onto the working area (3). The invention is characterized in that at least a part (15) of the base surface (13) is arranged to be resilient in a vertical direction.
US08308461B2
To provide a scroll compressor capable of reducing a noise occurring in a pin-and-ring type self rotation preventing mechanism and improving compression performance. In a scroll compressor comprising: a fixed scroll member and a revolving scroll member; a driven crank mechanism for driving the revolving scroll member to revolutionary turn; and a pin-and-ring type self rotation preventing mechanism provided in plural places for preventing self rotation of a revolving scroll member, at least one of the self rotation preventing pin, the self rotation preventing ring and the self rotation preventing ring hole, which form the pin-and-ring type self rotation preventing mechanism, is provided with an orbit correction part for reducing a maximum displacement R in a direction of self rotation of the revolving scroll member to smooth a change of an orbit of the revolving scroll member in changing a pin and a ring in a section of prevention of self rotation by means of a corresponding pin and ring part.
US08308456B2
Rotary axial peristaltic pumps, related methods and components. The rotary axial peristaltic pump generally comprises a platen having a platen surface, a tube positioned adjacent to the platen surface, cam that rotates about a rotational axis and has a cam surface that is spaced apart from the platen surface and a plurality of tube compressing fingers. The fingers move axially back and forth in sequence to sequentially compress segments or regions of the tube against the platen surface, thereby causing peristaltic movement of fluid through the tube. The fingers move back and forth on axes that are substantially parallel to the axis about which the cam rotates.
US08308454B2
A fluid conveyance device includes a substrate, and a disk-shaped piezoelectric element arranged in a bendable manner on the substrate. A plurality of substantially circular concentric segment electrodes are provided on the piezoelectric element, and are provided with voltages with phases that are shifted. A wavy ring deformation is thus produced on the piezoelectric element. A pocket produced between the piezoelectric element and the substrate is moved in a radial direction so as to convey a fluid from an outer substantially circular portion to a central portion and to discharge the fluid from the central portion.
US08308444B2
A device and method configured to exchange pressures between fluid streams as a way to reuse the pressure energy of one of the fluids. The device includes a rotatable valve that fluidly cooperates with pressure exchange ducts so that a high pressure fluid stream flows into a high pressure exchange duct to displace a duct piston contained therein so that a fluid within this duct that is downstream of the piston is pressurized. At the same time, a low pressure fluid stream is introduced into a low pressure exchange duct to displace a duct piston contained therein so that a fluid within this duct that is downstream of its piston is pressurized. Rotation of the valve fluidly couples the pressurized fluid from the high pressure duct to the low pressure duct while the fluid from the low pressure duct becomes fluidly coupled to the high pressure duct.
US08308441B2
When controlling an air compressor (13) for a pneumatic braking system on a large hybrid commercial vehicle (e.g., a bus, a package delivery truck, etc.), PID control of an air compressor motor (12) is employed during normal system operation such as when the motor shaft is spinning, and state machine control is employed during startup or upon a system disturbance such as a shaft seizure or stall. In this manner, stalling events that occurs due to PID control inability to correct for unexpected disturbances are mitigated by employing state machine control.
US08308433B2
A wind turbine system is presented. The wind turbine system includes a blade comprising an airfoil and a sensing device disposed on a surface of the airfoil, wherein the sensing device generates signals that are representative of pressure deflection on the surface of the airfoil. The wind turbine system further comprises a processing subsystem that receives location details of the sensing device and a transfer function corresponding to the airfoil, determines a location of a stagnation point on the surface of the airfoil based upon the signals and the location details, and determine an angle of attack (AOA) on the surface of the airfoil based upon the location of the stagnation point and the transfer function.
US08308432B2
A fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base. The base comprises an outer casing, an impeller housing located within the outer casing, the impeller housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, an impeller located within the impeller housing and a motor for driving the impeller to create an air flow through the impeller housing. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow from the air outlet of the impeller housing and a mouth through which the air flow is emitted from the fan assembly.
US08308431B2
A turbocharger includes a turbine wheel having a center hole and a turbine shaft having one end secured on a small-diameter inner circumferential surface of the center hole. A large-diameter inner circumferential surface and a large diameter outer circumferential surface are formed to provide a cylindrical clearance opening toward a bearing housing between the center hole and the outer circumferential surface of the turbine shaft.
US08308429B2
An axial compressor comprises a stator component and a rotor component, which cooperate to perform work on a fluid flow in a primary flow-passage defined by the stator and rotor components, the stator component and the rotor component further defining a secondary flow-passage which interconnects a higher pressure region and a lower pressure region of the primary flow-passage, the rotor component being provided with at least one secondary rotor element which, in normal operation of the machine, pumps a bypass flow of fluid through the secondary flow passage from the lower pressure region to the higher pressure region.
US08308425B2
The present invention discloses an adhesion rotary disc pump comprising a housing embedding therein at least one adhesion-propelling disc mounted on a rotatable shaft that is drivable by a drive, wherein fluids engaging with said at least one adhesion-propelling disc are transportable from at least one inlet to at least one outlet. In embodiments, the pump employs a scraping unit operative to scrape off fluid adherent on both sides of each of the at least one rotatable adhesion-propelling disc and that the scraped-off fluid is being channeled directly or indirectly to the at least one outlet.
US08308424B2
A helical turbine power generation system is configured to generate electricity by using a helical turbine and an overload prevention generator. More specifically, the helical turbine is rotatably provided in a frame so as to continuously generate a rotation force under unidirectional or multidirectional fluid flow and a step-up gear is configured to increase the rotational velocity of the helical turbine up to a level required for generating electricity. Additionally, an overload prevention generator is incorporated to generate electricity by using the rotational velocity transferred from the step-up gear thereby preventing an overload caused by a sudden increase in the rotational velocity of the turbine.
US08308418B2
A high-efficiency buffer stocker is disclosed. The buffer stocker includes an overhead transport track for supporting overhead transport vehicles carrying wafer containers and at least one conveyor system or conveyor belt provided beneath the overhead transport track for receiving the wafer containers from the overhead transport vehicles on the overhead transport track. The buffer stocker is capable of absorbing the excessive flow of wafer containers between a processing tool and a stocker, for example, to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of wafers between sequential process tools in a semiconductor fabrication facility, for example.
US08308416B2
A vehicle for transporting a ride-on trowel includes a vehicle frame forming a bay sized to receive the ride-on trowel and a system for supporting the ride-on trowel from the vehicle frame. The vehicle frame includes a lower frame that surrounds the bay on three sides. The lower frame has an open rear end and a tapered front end and is configured to closely match the shape of the ride-on trowel outer frame.
US08308415B2
An apparatus for use in unloading bulk material from containers that is vertically adjustable and provides a mechanism for maintaining a coupling engagement with an outlet on a container. The apparatus has a plurality of inflatable flexible members configured and arranged to maintain the coupling engagement of the apparatus to the container outlet.
US08308399B2
A cutting insert is removably mountable on an insert seat formed in a peripheral of a tool body rotated around an axis O and of substantial disc shape. The cutting insert includes a substantially planar insert body of a substantially square shape in plan view, a flank at an upper face of the body, a rake face at a side of the body intersecting with the flank, and a cutting edge at an intersection ridge between the rake face and the flank. The cutting edge is a substantial involute in side view of the body, the rake face is inclined to an inside of the body from an upper toward a lower face, and at least a front end arranged in a peripheral of the tool body is concave constituting a part of a substantially conical side face.
US08308397B2
A concrete floating dock can be formed using a form that has an inner and an outer form. Concrete sections can be cast such that they include a deck portion and two longitudinally extending side walls that extend downwardly from the deck portion. The concrete sections can be removed from the form and coupled together to form a concrete floating dock. One or more buoyancy elements can be positioned in the cavities of the fully cured concrete sections before or after the concrete sections are coupled to each other.
US08308396B2
A flood vent is provided that allows the unimpeded flow of floodwater in a shuttered duct formed in a housing installed in a structure such as a building. A lower region of the duct is angled down between two and eight degrees from a horizontal plane to form a sill that sheds water to an exterior of the structure, and an upper region of the duct is pivotally fixed to a shutter positioned within the duct. The shutter is capable of swinging between a closed position and an open position in response to the presence of floodwater within at least a portion of the duct. Movement of the shutter to, from or through a closed position is hampered by a releasable coupling of the shutter to the sill by a fin.
US08308394B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods implemented in a pothole patching system for creating a vacuum that pulls heavy particulate, such as gravel, out of a hopper. For example, according to an embodiment, a vacuum body having a vacuum chamber formed therein is positioned proximate to an opening of the hopper. A moveable slide gate is provided between the vacuum chamber and the opening of the hopper. The slide gate moves between open and closed positions for permitting and blocking communication between the vacuum chamber and the hopper. A reduction nozzle is provided between an air source and the vacuum chamber. Forced air flows from the air source, through the reduction nozzle, and into the vacuum chamber. The reduction nozzle reduces the pressure of the forced air entering the vacuum chamber, and thereby creates a vacuum in the vacuum chamber. When the slide gate is in the open position, this vacuum pulls particulate from the hopper.
US08308386B2
Disclosed is a pencil type cosmetic container, in particular to a pencil type cosmetic container which is directed to discharging cosmetic stuff to the outside by pressing upwards a button installed at a side surface of a cosmetic container, resulting in an easier use along with a simple construction for thereby decreasing a manufacture cost. In addition, it is easier to use since cosmetic stuff can be discharged by pressing upwards a button installed at a lateral side surface of a cosmetic container using one hand.
US08308382B2
An operation apparatus that enables selection of a required menu item from a plurality of menu items without several pushes of operation keys, and an electronic device that is equipped with the operation apparatus. When a fingertip is moved while protrusion portions of an operation apparatus are being touched with the fingertip, this is detected by an electrostatic capacitance-type sensor, and a selection frame for selecting a menu item is moved horizontally/vertically. Then, when the selection frame reaches a required menu item, the menu item is selected. Thus, it is possible to select a required menu item from a plurality of menu items just by moving a finger while touching the protrusion portion, without several pushes of operation keys.
US08308380B2
A lens barrel assembly that is attached to and detached from a camera includes: a lens barrel, which surrounds a lens and includes an inlet through which an external light enters; and an outlet through which light, which has passed through the lens, exits; a rotating unit, which is attached to the lens barrel such that the rotating unit rotates in a circumferential direction of the lens barrel; a shield plate, which has a first side rotatably connected to the rotating unit and a second side rotatably connected to the lens barrel and moves between a position of closing the outlet and a position of opening the outlet as the rotating unit rotates; and a driving unit, which contacts the camera when the lens barrel is attached to the camera, generates rotation force from friction force, and rotates the rotating unit.
US08308374B2
A method for mating optical fibers, a fiber optic connector, and a fiber optic subassembly are provided in which mating fibers have angled end faces joined by index matching fluid, but in which the angled end faces of the fibers are positioned relative to one another in rotationally misaligned relationship. Applicants discovered unexpectedly that optical fibers can be spliced, to provide satisfactory optical connections, without the need for matched cleaves, and without the need for precise rotational alignment of the cleaves, provided that angled end faces are provided on both the launch and receive fibers and that index matching gel is provided between the angled end faces. Thus, the fibers are mated in positions other than in the precise rotationally aligned position previously believed essential to adequate optical performance. Angled end faces may be positioned less than 165 degrees out of phase.
US08308372B2
A tapered roller bearing comprises an outer ring (32), an inner ring (33), a plurality of tapered rollers (34) arranged between the outer ring (32) and the inner ring (33), and a plurality of retainer segments (11a) having pockets for holding the tapered rollers (34) and arranged so as to be continuously lined with each other in a circumferential direction between the outer ring (32) and the inner ring (33). Here, the tapered roller (34) is arranged between two adjacent retainer segments (11b) and (11c) except for between the first retainer segment (11a) and the last retainer segment lined continuously with each other in the circumferential direction.
US08308368B2
A self-lubricating track roller and a method of making the self-lubricating track roller are disclosed. First, an inner ring is provided having a radially outwardly facing surface. A parting agent is applied onto the radially outwardly facing surface. Next, a self-lubricating material is applied over the radially outwardly facing surface. Then, an outer ring is formed around the self-lubricating material such that a radially inwardly facing surface of the outer ring is bonded to the self-lubricating material. A resilient tire is bonded onto the radially outwardly facing surface of the outer ring. In the resulting track roller, the radially outwardly facing surface of the inner ring has a surface profile that corresponds to a mating surface profile of the self-lubricating material that is bonded to the radially inwardly facing surface of the outer ring.
US08308354B2
A mechanism of a monitoring unit of an electric rotating machinery covered in a housing that intercepts photoelectron transmission, the mechanism has: a monitoring window penetrating a part of the housing and configured to allow passage of photoelectrons and not to allow passage of gas; a camera arranged outside the monitoring window and configured to receive radiated photoelectron generated in the housing and passing through the monitoring window and to generate image data from the radiated photoelectron; and a computing unit configured to process the image data. The computing unit has reference image data storage means for storing image data resulting from blackbody radiation occurring in a reference state in the housing, as reference image data, and temperature calculating means for comparing the image data with the reference image data, thereby to calculate the temperature in the housing.
US08308353B2
An ear thermometer which includes a temperature detection element and infrared detection element arranged near the opening portion of a probe achieves a reduction in manufacturing cost while reducing the influence of thermal shock. This invention provides an ear thermometer incorporating, in a probe, a temperature detection element to detect an environmental temperature and an infrared detection element to detect infrared radiation emitted from a temperature measurement region in an earhole. The probe includes an end face portion having an opening in its distal end, an inner surface portion of a hollow cylindrical member, and an inwardly protruding engaging portion. A detection element housing is fixed to close the opening of the probe and to form an air layer between the detection element housing and the probe.
US08308352B1
An apparatus for single-side, thermal shock testing of a specimen may comprise a base and thermal insulation. The base may comprise an internal cavity disposed within the base. The internal cavity may extend through a first outer surface of the base. A specimen-supporting surface may be recessed within the first outer surface for supporting a specimen within the base to substantially close the internal cavity. The thermal insulation may not substantially cover the first outer surface, but may substantially cover other outer surfaces of the base.
US08308348B2
The invention relates to a device for determining the dew point temperature of a measurement gas, having a light guide, a condensation surface located on the light guide and whose reflectivity is dependent on the condensation of the measurement gas, a light source for emitting light through the light guide onto the condensation surface, a light sensor for determining the light intensity reflected back into the light guide by the condensation surface and means for adjusting the temperature of the condensation surface, which has a semihydrophobic construction.
US08308343B2
A beater for a mixer includes a shaft (14) including a mixer attachment portion (16), the shaft defining a rotational axis (A) of the beater. A first stabilizing arm (18) extends outwardly from the shaft and a second stabilizing arm (20) extends outwardly from the shaft and spaced circumferentially from the first stabilizing arm. A first blade (22) has an upper end connected to the first stabilizing arm at a location spaced from the shaft, a lower end located proximate the rotational axis of the beater and a leading face (40) that transitions from a substantially vertical orientation at the lower end to a downwardly angled orientation at the upper end. A second blade (24) has an upper end connected to the second stabilizing arm at a location spaced from the shaft, a lower end located proximate the rotational axis of the beater and a leading face (42) that transitions from a substantially vertical orientation at the lower end to a downwardly angled orientation at the upper end.
US08308340B2
Devices and methods for mixing a clotting agent with other inputs such as blood, blood derived product, bone marrow, and/or bone marrow derived product to form a congealed mixture.
US08308337B2
A light guide plate, a backlight module and a liquid crystal display are provided. The light guide plate has a first surface at least having one first structure and one second structure formed thereon. The first structure and the second structure are adjacent arranged and are mirror reflection with each other. Each of the first structure and the second structure has a first protrusion having a cross section of eccentric triangle.
US08308333B2
A surgical lamp that includes a carrying system, a lamp body, and at least one handle having an illuminant. The handle is at least partially formed of a translucent material.
US08308329B1
An image display device may include a fiber optic plate. The fiber optic plate may comprise a plurality of parallel optical fibers, the terminal ends of the optical fibers combining to define a light input surface and an at least partially concave light output surface.An apparatus may include: a fiber optic plate; and a mechanism for affixing the fiber optic plate to a display device.A method for manufacturing a fiber optic plate may include: computing one or more viewing angles between one or more elements of an image display and a focal point; and shaping a fiber optic plate output surface according to the one or more viewing angles.
US08308323B2
A light clip is disclosed comprising: a base; a magnet attached to the base; two or more strand engagement members extending from the base, wherein a space is defined between the two or more strand engagement members, and the space is of sufficient size so that a bulb socket may be positioned between two or more strand engagement members; and a groove defined in each of the strand engagement members; the groove configured to engage a cord.
US08308315B2
A hand-held glow writing apparatus constructed for use with an ultraviolet sensitive surface to produce images that glow in the dark and will fade over a time period. The device including a plurality of LED lights arrange in a parallel line. The device includes a selector switch for electively choosing an image pattern stored on a memory. The LED lights when activated, turn on and off in accordance with a predetermined sequence timed for a movement of the writing apparatus across ultraviolet sensitive surface whereby the selected image pattern will imprint an image on the ultraviolet sensitive surface that fades over the time period.
US08308312B2
A vehicle meter is provided including a dial 10 and light sources provided on the rear face of the dial. A plurality of characters can be arranged on the dial and can be displayed by transmitting light from the light sources (a plurality of LEDs 25) and formed differently from each other in amount of transmitted light. The characters arranged on the dial may be provided with an increased and decreased amount of transmitted light to improve the visibility of the character intended to be emphasized. This makes it easy to visually recognize the entire string of characters in the vehicle meter.
US08308311B2
Provided are several reconfigurable instrument clusters for instrument panels in an automotive vehicle. Instrument cluster comprises a value indicia configured to indicate a value of a plurality of vehicle data and an appliqué comprising first and second indicia. A control circuit is configured to receive first and second vehicle data from different data sources and further configured to control the value indicia and first indicia to indicate the first vehicle data and, in response to a signal, to control the value indicia and second indicia to indicate the second vehicle data.
US08308309B2
A lighting device includes: a light source which emits light around a light source axis; a reflector which has a plurality of reflection surfaces for reflecting light emitted from the light source; a plurality of converging units each of which is provided for the corresponding reflection surface of the plural reflection surfaces to receive light released from the corresponding reflection surface; and a stacking system which stacks light having passed the plural converging units on a light receiving area wherein each of the plural reflection surfaces is formed by a part of a spheroid having focuses at the position of the corresponding converging unit and the position of the light source, and each focal distance of the plural converging units becomes longer as the distance between the position of the converging unit and the light source axis increases.
US08308304B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection.
US08308298B2
The invention relates to an eye surgery microscopy system (1) having an imaging optic (14, 11) for the generation of the image of an object plane (15) and having an electronic image sensor (22), which detects the image of the object plane (15) and is connected to a computer unit (5) for the computation of the position of the center of a circular structure (44) of a patient eye (16). The computer unit (5) is designed for the computation of the position of a patient eye (16) outside of the center (52) of the circular structure (44) and provided with at least one marking (46, 48). The computer unit (5) determines the position of the at least one marking (46, 48) with reference to the computed center (52) by means of image processing via correlation with a comparison information, and an angular position of the at least one marking (46, 48) with reference to the computed center (52) by means of image processing.
US08308296B2
A testing device and method are presented for detecting binocular vision problems in patients. The testing device includes a body with a flat portion disposed along one side. Extending outwardly from the top of the body is an actuating means. The device further includes a first set of lights disposed on the surface of the device a first distance away from a center point and a second set of lights disposed a second distance away from the center point. Each of the lights in the first set are smaller than each of the lights in the second set. Further, the second distance is shorter than the first distance.
US08308285B2
An inkjet printer includes a printing unit, a transfer route, a heating chamber, and a heater. The printing unit ejects ink onto a sheet through nozzles of the inkjet heads. The transfer route transfers the sheet as printed at the printing unit. The heating chamber accommodates at least part of the transfer route to heat the sheet as transferred in the transfer route. The heater heats inside the heating chamber. The heating chamber is sectioned into sub-chambers along the transfer route, including a first sub-chamber to be heated by the heater and a second sub-chamber to be lower in temperature than the first sub-chamber and located between the printing unit and the first sub-chamber.
US08308276B2
A liquid ejecting head includes: first and second pressure generating chambers which are provided in parallel on a flow path forming substrate such that each of the first and second pressure generating chambers forms a row so as to communicate with nozzle openings for ejecting liquids; first and second piezoelectric devices which causes the volumes of the first and second pressure generating chambers to change, respectively, through a vibration plate formed on the flow path forming substrate; a common fixing member which is arranged between the first and second piezoelectric devices at a position opposite to the first and second pressure generating chambers, a part of each of the first and second piezoelectric devices being bonded to the common fixing member; and a signal line film which has input terminals through which a driving signal for driving the first and second piezoelectric devices is supplied from the outside and output terminals through which the driving signal is supplied to the first and second piezoelectric devices, the signal line film having flexibility. In this case, the signal line film includes a first wiring portion having the input terminals and the output terminals for supplying the driving signal to the first piezoelectric device at one side face of the fixing member, and a second wiring portion extending from the first wiring portion to the other side face of the fixing member and having the output terminals for supplying the driving signal to the second piezoelectric devices.
US08308270B2
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head having a nozzle configured to jet a liquid drop of ink; a cap member configured to be moved between a sealing position where a nozzle surface of the recording head is sealed and an opening position where the nozzle surface is opened; a waste liquid tank movably provided and configured to receive a waste liquid of the ink, the waste liquid being generated by idle-ejecting the liquid drop not contributing to image forming from the recording head; and a moving part configured to move the waste liquid tank tied to movement of the cap member. A position of the waste liquid tank in a case of idle-ejection being performed from the recording head last time and another position of the waste liquid tank in a case of idle-ejection being performed from the recording head this time are different.
US08308267B2
A droplet discharge device includes a head for discharging a functional liquid, a driving voltage generation unit for generating a driving voltage to drive the head, first and second temperature acquisition units, a temperature difference computing unit, and a driving voltage correction unit. The first and second temperature acquisition units are configured to acquire temperature of the functional liquid in the head as first and second temperatures, respectively, when the head is in a head waiting state and in a head driven state, respectively. The temperature difference computing unit is configured to compute a temperature difference between the first and second temperatures. The driving voltage correction unit is configured to correct the driving voltage based on the temperature difference. The driving voltage generation unit is configured to generate the corrected driving voltage to the head when the head is in the head driven state.
US08308254B2
A liquid jet apparatus according to the invention is a liquid jet apparatus adapted to emit a jet of a liquid by driving an actuator of a liquid jet head with a drive signal including a digital power amplifier and a low pass filter provided to the liquid jet head so as to correspond to the actuator, and adapted to power-amplify and smooth a modified signal from a control circuit to form the drive signal, wherein the low pass filter is coupled directly with the actuator, and the digital power amplifier is provided with a pair of switching elements and a gate drive circuit, and ON-OFF controls the gate drive circuit based on print data, thereby performing one of output and halt of the drive signal.
US08308253B2
An ink jet image forming apparatus includes a reset correction unit to restrict a heater driving time so as to prevent a heater from being damaged due to overheating when an error occurs in a system clock. The reset correction unit may determine that an error occurs in the system clock if a discharging voltage of at least one charging circuit, which performs a charging operation using the system clock, is decreased to a reference voltage. In this case, the reset correction unit can generate a reset signal having an initial state such that the heater is no longer driven.
US08308246B2
A method of producing a bundle of bristles is provided and includes collecting a plurality of bristles substantially close together and fusing and subsequently hardening ends of the collected bristles to each other by cutting to thereby fuse the ends of the collected bristles using a heated cutter to thus produce a bundle of bristles.
US08308244B2
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seatback moveably connected to a seat base. The seatback has an upright position and a folded position. A stationary bolster is located on an outboard lateral side of the seatback. The seatback and the stationary bolster define a seat split line. A seatbelt assembly has a seatbelt webbing and a tongue joined to the seatbelt webbing. A portion of the seatbelt webbing extends along the split line when the seatbelt webbing is in a non-use condition and the seatback is in the upright position. An apparatus connected to at least one of the side bolster and seatbelt assembly retains the seatbelt webbing away from the split line as the seatback is moved between the upright position and the folded position.
US08308240B1
An adjustable lumbar support assembly for a chair includes a base, a lumbar support, and an angle adjustment assembly. The base is formed at a lower end of the backrest of the chair. Bar sections bilaterally formed at a lower end of the lumbar support are positioned across the base. The angle adjustment assembly is connected with one bar section of the lumbar support and the base. To tilt the lumbar support forward or backward, a pulling rod is pulled backward to bring the lumbar support into a free state where projections on corresponding surfaces of a positioning element and a moving element mounted around the pulling rod are pressed against each other to allow manual adjustment of the lumbar support for optimal support. When the pulling rod is pushed back, the lumbar support enters a locked state where the positioning element and the moving element are in projection-recess engagement.
US08308236B2
A vehicular seat capable of effectively mitigating lateral direction vibrations is provided. In the present vehicular seat (10), a pair of leg portions (32A) of a headrest frame (32) are coupled to a seatback frame (20) to be relatively turnable about a longitudinal direction axis of a seatback (18). Joint portions 32C are provided between the pair of leg portions (32A) and a middle portion (32B) of the headrest frame (32). Thus, the headrest (14) is made turnable to left and right with respect to the seatback (18). Furthermore, the headrest (14) is urged toward a middle position of the range of turning with respect to the seatback (18) by rubber members that are provided between a headrest support (24) and a support bracket (20C). Thus, when lateral direction vibrations are applied to the present vehicular seat (10), the headrest (14) functions as a dynamic damper.
US08308235B2
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seat back. The seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base. At least one wire frame section is secured to the first foam member and extends rearwardly therefrom toward a rear of the seat base for mounting the seat base to an associated vehicle body.
US08308228B2
A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between seat-lift, closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a base plate fixedly mounted to a lift assembly, a back-mounting link rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a seat-adjustment assembly with a bellcrank, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a force on the bellcrank that translates the seat-mounting plate rearward in a consistent angle of inclination and rotates the back-mounting link from a reclined to an upright orientation. A stroke in a second phase acts to collapse the footrest assembly. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the seating unit, thereby accommodating egress and ingress of an occupant.
US08308226B2
A storage panel assembly for a vehicle includes a panel having a louvered exterior and internal surfaces. A vent structure is formed on a portion of the panel. At least one jack wrench clip assembly is formed on the portion of the panel including the vent structure. The exterior louvered surface of the panel remains unblemished.
US08308225B2
An automotive front support beam for use in an automotive front carrier, wherein the automotive front support beam comprises a top piece and a bottom piece, wherein the top piece and the bottom piece are fastened together and enclose a hollow space and wherein the top piece and the bottom piece are molded.
US08308223B2
A net structure for attachment to a roll cage of a vehicle includes a mesh structure, a reinforcement structure attached to the mesh structure, and an overload indicator. Upon a rollover event during operation of a vehicle, to which the net structure is attached, with the net structure in a lowered, closed configuration, an operator of the vehicle may impact the net structure, causing the net structure to deflect outwardly. This outward deflection of the net structure may cause the overload indicator to become visible, which provides an indication to an operator or other person associated with the vehicle that the structural integrity of the net structure has been compromised, such that replacement of the net structure may be warranted.
US08308219B2
A convertible top and method of operating the convertible top is disclosed. The top has a power cylinder that is mounted to the top stack linkage that lifts the one bow from the windshield header on a four bar link and also simultaneously releases the pressure applied by a pressure link to the rear bow. The pressure link includes an upper link and a lower link that are locked together in an over-center relationship when the top is extended to eliminate vibration of the rear bow or lifting the rear bow off of the rear deck.
US08308216B2
An adjustable cushioned intermediate system for vehicle seats may have at least four shock absorbers, at least four actuators and at least one accelerometer and/or as many loading cells as shock absorbers and a control unit suitable for controlling the actuators. On the basis of the information obtained from the accelerometer and/or from the loading cells, as to oppose the stresses affecting the seat and improve the comfort of the passenger.
US08308209B1
A system comprising a handle having a gripping end and a working end. The system also comprising a filter engagement tool. The filter engagement tool is coupled to the handle. The filter engagement tool has a filter engagement means.
US08308199B2
A gap sub assembly can be used to form an electrical isolation in a drill string, across which a voltage is applied to generate a carrier signal for an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry system. The assembly comprises two conductive generally cylindrical components fashioned with a matching set of male and female rounded coarse threads, held such that a relatively uniform interstitial space is formed in the overlap space between them. The third component is a substantially dielectric electrical isolator component placed into the gap between the threads that effectively electrically isolates the two conductive components. Injecting the dielectric material under high pressure forms a tight bond resistant to the ingress of conductive drilling fluids (liquids, gases or foam), thus forming a high pressure insulating seal.
US08308198B2
The present invention relates to a water-based fluorescent ink for the purpose of measurement or judgment of the fluorescence emission in a visible light region by an excitation wavelength in a predetermined ultraviolet range, containing water, a coloring material dissolved or dispersed in water, and an organic solvent, having a plurality of fluorescent groups in the coloring material structure of the coloring material, and using a water-soluble coloring material having a sulfonic acid group as the water-soluble group in the state of a free acid, capable of improving the water resistance and the light resistance, dramatically increasing the content of the fluorescent coloring material in the ink, which has conventionally been included only by a small amount in the ink due to the concentration quenching problem, obtaining preferable fluorescence emission and water resistance of the recorded image, and providing preferable adhesion resistance to the recording medium of the coloring material and reliability.
US08308192B2
An airbag is quickly inflated and deployed along an inner side wall of a vehicle while suppressing variations of the deployment direction of the airbag inflated and deployed from an upper part of the vehicle. An upper edge side of an airbag (2), which deploys first, is bellows-folded to form a bellows portion (2J), and a lower edge side continuous with the bellows portion (2J) is roll-folded toward the vehicle's exterior side (G) to form a roll-folded portion (2R). The roll-folded portion (2R) is formed to have a larger width than the bellows portion (2J) in the vehicle's width direction and the both sides thereof are folded back upward. The bellows portion (2J) is folded in substantially half and is wrapped by the roll-folded portion (2R) from below and is accommodated therein. When the airbag (2) deploys, first, the bellows portion (2J), whose deployment is restricted by the roll-folded portion (2R) on both sides, deploys toward the lower side of the vehicle, and the roll-folded portion (2R) is pushed by the deployment force thereof toward the trim (50) and opens the trim (50), through which the roll-folded portion (2R) pops out and deploys in the vehicle.
US08308191B2
An airbag apparatus includes a gas generator that generates gas, and an airbag inflated and deployed by the gas supplied from the gas generator. The airbag restrains an occupant in a first state in which the occupant's chin is positioned on the airbag apparatus or the occupant in a second state in which the occupant's chin is positioned on a steering wheel. The airbag includes one main exhaust port, a vent cover provided to cover the one main exhaust port, and at least one sub exhaust port without a vent cover. The sub exhaust port exhausts the gas without using the main exhaust port in a state in which the vent cover blocks the main exhaust port due to a folded state of the airbag in an initial stage of an inflating and deploying operation performed to restrain the occupant in the first state or in the second state.
US08308181B2
A means for electrically connecting a vehicle electrical system to a trailer is disclosed which automatically connects the same when the hitch of the trailer is mounted on the vehicle hitch. Four different embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
US08308176B2
A suspension stop for a motor vehicle has an upper cup, a lower cup and roller bodies arranged between the cups to permit the relative rotation thereof. The cups are designed to have at least one annular space between them. The stop further has a seal element arranged in the annular space with a sliding contact with each cup. The seal element is arranged to be mobile with relation to at least one cup.
US08308175B2
Provided is a tubular torsion beam for rear suspensions of vehicles, which is produced according to a more durable design capable of improving roll stiffness and roll strength of the tubular torsion beam. The tubular torsion beam is produced by pressure-forming a tubular steel member through hydroforming such that the tubular torsion beam has a cross-section varying along an entire length thereof, with opposite ends having a closed cross-section and mounted to respective trailing arms, a middle portion having a V-shaped open cross-section, and a transitional portion having a varying cross-section and connecting the middle portion to each of the opposite ends. During the process of manufacturing the tubular torsion beam, the opposite ends of the tubular steel member are fed using respective axial punches of a hydroforming machine, so that the opposite ends are thicker than the middle portion.
US08308173B2
A portable voting booth having multiple voting stations or trays combined with a single voting cart. The voting cart includes portable voting booth trays that can be deployed from the voting cart with privacy shields that are formed integral and can be erected for privacy. Voting trays are placed at various levels to accommodate individuals of various heights, including individuals utilizing wheelchairs while also providing a compact storage configuration. Beneath the retractable voting stations is an area for storage of voting materials, allowing the materials to be assembled in a remote location and sealed within the utility cart for storage. The cart then can be moved to the particular locations for the voting procedure. Upon completion of the voting process the cart can be resealed with the cast ballots. Tracking systems are optionally employed to track the cart and/or contents of the cart.
US08308170B2
The invention relates to an active suspension assembly and a vehicle equipped therewith. The assembly comprises a bearing arm, spring and adjusting mechanism. In use, the bearing arm supports the second vehicle mass, for instance a cabin or wheel and is pivotally connected to the first vehicle mass, for instance a chassis, around a pivot axis; the spring mechanism produces a spring force that exerts a counter moment on the bearing arm that can counterbalance any external moment acting on said bearing arm; and the adjustment mechanism is arranged to vary said counter moment by altering the direction of the spring force and/or move its point of application in a first direction. The adjustment mechanism is furthermore arranged to move the point of application of the spring force in a second direction, in which the counter moment is not or hardly affected, but by which the effective spring stiffness of the suspension assembly is affected. Thanks to said latter movement, the effective stiffness of the suspension can be maintained at a desired value.
US08308159B1
An apparatus for aligning a media sheet includes a sheet feed system for transporting the media sheet along a media feed path in a media feed direction and an alignment assembly is positioned to intersect the media feed path. The alignment assembly includes a deflectable member having a plurality of sets of arms, each of the arms of each set has a contact surface defining a plane unique to each set of arms. The media sheet aligns as it exerts a media engagement force on the alignment assembly and causes the alignment assembly to deflect when the media engagement force exceeds the aligning force.
US08308158B2
A registration portion which conveys a sheet toward an image forming portion forming an image on the sheet includes a controlling portion which regulates a sheet skew feeding correction amount by the skew feeding correcting portion based on the sheet right angle degree detected by the end detection sensor. The controlling portion automatically calculates, from the sheet right angle degree detected by the end detection sensor, a skew feeding regulation amount used for making any one of the two sides, forming the corner of the sheet, parallel to the image and corrects the skew feeding of the sheet by the skew feeding correcting portion with the use of the skew feeding regulation amount so that any one of the two sides forming the corner of the sheet is parallel to the image.
US08308150B2
A spring wire with hardness of 50 to 56 HRC is subjected to first and second shot peening processes within a warm working temperature range of 150 to 350° C. In the first shot peening process, the first shot of a shot size of 1.0 mm or more is used. In the second shot peening process, the second shot smaller in shot size than the first shot is used. Through these shot peening processes, compressive residual stress is imparted to the spring wire. The spring wire includes a residual stress increase part, residual stress peak part, and residual stress decrease part. In the residual stress decrease part, a part including the compressive residual stress magnitude of which is equivalent to the magnitude of the compressive residual stress at the surface of the spring wire exists at a position at a depth exceeding the permissible pit depth.
US08308146B2
An apparatus and method for the treatment of gaseous effluents involving contact with a liquid may include a gas/liquid contact chamber which can receive a liquid in the lower part thereof and which is topped with a gas cover, wherein the chamber allows a gas to be treated. The chamber may also release residual gases following treatment involving contact with the liquid. The apparatus may also include a turbine that includes one or more stages which ensure improved contact between the gas and the liquid, the upper part of the turbine being equipped with an opening for drawing the gas situated in the gas cover above the liquid; and, preferably, a sensor for measuring the pH of the liquid.
US08308137B2
The invention is a remote controlled vehicle adapted for navigating inside HVAC supply trunks. It is equipped with a moveable camera and a powered tool for snagging a string or parachute propelled into the trunk by other methods. A command box is provided to view the image from the camera and control the vehicle's various functions. The installation technician inserts the vehicle into the trunk through an access hole and uses the command box to navigate the vehicle inside a HVAC trunk and locate and secure the string to the vehicle. The technician then controls the vehicle to pull the string back to the access or the technician manually pulls the vehicle back to the access by its tether.
US08308135B2
Device for adjusting a height of a seat, including at least one actuator connected to at least one source of power via at least one control valve having at least one control member for controlling the pressurizing of the actuator and at least one control member for controlling the exhausting of the actuator, the device including a cam associated, on the one hand, with at least one means of driving as a function of a variation in height of the seat, and, on the other hand, with the valve control members, the cam being configured to have at least one neutral position in which it actuates no control member, and at least two active positions about the neutral position, these respectively corresponding to a pressurizing of the actuator when the cam has pivoted about the neutral position in a direction corresponding to a reduction in the height of the seat and to an exhausting of the actuator when the cam is pivoted about the neutral position in a direction corresponding to a raising of the height of the seat, the means of driving also being mounted so that they can be disengaged in relation to the cam.
US08308127B1
A faux ice tray system featuring a plurality of faux ice trays that interlock via interlock bars. The system can be placed in a refrigerated display in lieu of traditional ice or in a display cooled with another type of mechanism or with traditional ice. The trays are reversible wherein the top surface and the bottom surface can be used for containing faux ice. Some systems may feature an indentation for a bowl. Removable lids may provide an air-tight seal.
US08308125B2
A selectively adjustable device for securing a handbag on a table is provided. The device is designed to fold into a compact shape and includes at least one surface for receiving a handbag. Other embodiments provided include a secondary arm for allowing accommodation of the device onto a vertically oriented wall or other surface.
US08308122B1
The present invention provides methods and systems for a picture hanging device for mounting a picture to a retention member engaged to a wall that includes a tube having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the tube is designed to receive a retention member mounted to a wall, the top portion of the tube extends into the air for correctly aligning the picture on the retention member, whereby a hanging mechanism engaged to the picture is positioned about the tube and is slide down the tube for engagement to the retention member and the tube is positioned within the center of the picture for correctly aligning the picture on the retention member.
US08308106B2
Disclosed is an aircraft, configured to have a wide range of flight speeds, consuming low levels of power for an extended period of time, while supporting a communications platform with an unobstructed downward-looking view. The aircraft includes an extendable slat at the leading edge of the wing, and a reflexed trailing edge. The aircraft comprises a flying wing extending laterally between two ends and a center point. The wing is swept and has a relatively constant chord. The aircraft also includes a power module configured to provide power via a fuel cell. The fuel cell stores liquid hydrogen as fuel, but uses gaseous hydrogen in the fuel cell. A fuel tank heater is used to control the boil-rate of the fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel cell compresses ambient air for an oxidizer, and operates with the fuel and oxidizer at pressures below one atmosphere.
US08308101B2
A fiber tensioning device is provided for a spool of fibers. A hub is rotatably mounted on the support and is adapted to have the spool of fibers mounted thereon. Means on the hub apply a drag force on fibers being drawn from the spool to maintain the fibers in tension.
US08308098B2
A stepless fastening device includes a cap having a driving gear and multiple one-direction teeth connected to an underside thereof. The driving gear is engaged with a spool located in the base so that the strip or shoelace is wrapped to the spool. An operation unit is located beneath the cap and rotatable in a first direction for fastening and a second direction for loosening the strip or shoelace. An operation ring of the operation unit is connected to the underside of the cap and pushes an activation ring away from the cap when the operation ring is rotated in the second direction. An engaging member includes inclined teeth and pushed by the activation ring so that the inclined teeth are disengaged from the one-direction teeth of the cap when the operation ring is rotated in the second direction.
US08308097B2
Disclosed herein is a click sound generating device for a bait reel. The bait reel includes a reel frame, a spool, a handle and a drag knob. The spool is rotatably mounted to the reel frame. A fishing line is wound around the circumferential outer surface of the spool. The handle is connected to the spool through a gear shaft. The drag knob is provided between the handle and the gear shaft to adjust the drag strength of the spool. The click sound generating device is in the drag knob and generates clicking sounds depending on rotation of the drag knob, thus enabling a user to minutely and precisely control the drag strength or rotating force of the spool.
US08308096B2
An article in the form of one of a plate, a sheet, a cylinder, and a portion of a cylinder, which is adapted for use as at least a portion of a wear resistant working surface of a roll is disclosed. The article includes a metal matrix composite comprising a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in a matrix material. The matrix material includes at least one of a metal and a metal alloy, wherein the melting temperature of the inorganic particles is greater than the melting temperature of the matrix material. A plurality of hard elements are embedded in the metal matrix composite. The wear resistance of the metal matrix composite is less than the wear resistance of the hard elements, and the metal matrix composite preferentially wears away when the article is in use, thereby providing or preserving gaps between each of the plurality of hard elements at a working surface of the article.
US08308078B2
A synthetic jet includes a first backer structure, a first actuator coupled to the first backer structure to form a first composite unit, a second backer structure, a second actuator coupled to the second backer structure to form a second composite unit, and a wall member coupled to and positioned between the first and second backer structures to form a cavity, wherein the first composite unit has an orifice formed through both the first backer structure and the first actuator, the orifice fluidically coupled to the cavity and fluidically coupled to an environment external to the cavity, and wherein the first and second composite units are operable independently from one another.
US08308076B2
A method of designing a fuel nozzle of a gas turbine engine to reduce fretting thereof during use, including establishing an initial nozzle design, determining a first natural frequency of that design and a running frequency range of the gas turbine engine, and increasing a first transverse dimension of the stem member of the nozzle across a length of a portion thereof adjacent the inlet end until the first natural frequency of the nozzle is outside the running range, while a second transverse dimension of the portion remains at least substantially unchanged across the length thereof.
US08308074B2
A series of implementations of open access sleeves for holding one or more closed containers of sterile fluid for use in medical procedures are disclosed. The open access sleeves may be adapted to provide heat to maintain the containers of sterile fluid above the ambient air temperature of the room. The provision of heat may be controlled by a control system. The control system may use a temperature measurement device to obtain a temperature representative of the container of sterile fluid and of the sterile fluid in the container. The access sleeve may be included in a device for maintaining an open volume of sterile fluid within a range of a target temperature to maintain the closed containers of sterile fluid at a temperature near target temperature for open volume of sterile fluid.
US08308071B2
An RFID tag includes an inlet on which an antenna pattern serving as an antenna for communication and an IC chip electrically connected to the antenna pattern are mounted. The RFID tag also includes an exterior body that encloses the inlet from outside and a hollow space that is formed by the inlet and the exterior body and that is filled with gas or a gel material.
US08308069B2
A method of operating an optical reading device for collecting and processing indicia data comprising the steps of: converting light with an image sensor into output signals representative of an image in a field of view (FOV) of the image sensor; user programming a processor to search the output signals according to a search strategy; searching the output signals for an information bearing indicia (IBI) within the FOV according to the user programmed search strategy; and, decoding information contained in the IBI.
US08308067B1
An apparatus is described for displaying visual codes using structural components, and a system and method is described for modifying the visual codes.
US08308058B2
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for interfacing a user device to a transaction system. An interface is provided in order to call a function on the transaction system for performing the transaction.
US08308052B2
A method includes heating a package structure including a first work piece and a second work piece to melt a plurality of solder bumps between the first and the second work pieces; and after the step of heating, allowing the plurality of solder bumps to solidify. During the step of solidifying, a first side of the package structure is maintained at a first temperature higher than a melting temperature of the plurality of solder bumps by using a heating source. During the step of solidifying, a second side of the package structure is maintained at a second temperature lower than the melting temperature by using a cooling source, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.
US08308051B2
A method of welding dissimilar metal materials, wherein a high melting-point material and a low melting-point material which are dissimilar metal materials having melting points different from each other are positioned to a planned welding position, and a rotatable tool is pressed to and then inserted into the high melting-point material to thereby perform a friction-stir-welding between the high melting-point material and the low melting-point material to each other. The friction-stir-welding between the high melting-point material and the low melting-point material is performed by disposing an intervening piece made from a same material as the high melting-point material between the rotatable tool and the high melting-point material.
US08308043B2
A device and a method are provided for determining a characteristic of an interchangeable component of a surgical instrument. An electrically conductive material having a measurable strength measurable by a hall effect sensor is coupled to the component. In another embodiment, a plurality of conductive materials are arranged to form a binary code representing a corresponding of the interchangeable component. The number and/or strength of the magnets measurable by the sensors may be dynamically altered such that the status of the surgical instrument is determinable.
US08308042B2
A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasably secured to at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The buttress material includes a tab to releasably and frictionally engage the at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil.
US08308031B2
A container having a receptacle and a cover is disclosed. The receptacle includes a generally rectangular base portion, a continuous sidewall portion, and a collar. The sidewall portion includes a lower end and an upper end. The lower end of the sidewall portion is coupled to the base portion and the upper end defines an opening. The collar extends around the sidewall portion proximate the upper end. The cover is coupled to the receptacle and includes a top portion, a skirt, a flap, and a tear strip. The skirt extends downwardly from the periphery of the top portion. The flap is hingeably coupled to the top portion proximate a corner of the closure and is moveable between an open position in which access is provided to the opening in the receptacle and a closed position in which the opening in the receptacle is closed. The flap includes a closing apparatus to releasably retain the flap in the closed position. The tear strip is removable and is coupled to the flap and the skirt. The tear strip substantially prevents the flap from being moved into the open position until the tear strip is removed.
US08308005B2
The present disclosure provides a container and a method of making a container. In one example, the container includes an upper portion having a finish defining a longitudinal axis and an opening into the container. A shoulder region is integrally formed with and extends from the upper portion. A sidewall portion extends from the shoulder region to a base portion. A tamper evident (TE) band is formed on the finish and defines an outermost surface of the plastic container above the shoulder region. A neck defining a cylindrical sidewall is integrally formed with and extends between the finish and the shoulder region. The neck defines a uniform cylindrical sidewall along its entire height between the finish and the shoulder region. The container further includes a debossed support flange defined on the upper portion. The debossed support flange defines a diameter less than a diameter defined by the TE band.
US08308004B2
A dispensing package includes a container having a neck finish with an axis, a non-circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and at least one circumferentially extending external engagement element on the neck finish. A closure has a wall received over the container neck finish. The wall has a non-circular cross section corresponding to the non-circular cross section of the neck finish and at least one internal circumferentially extending engagement element in engagement with the external engagement element on the neck finish. The internal and/or external circumferentially extending engagement element has a shallow lead-in angle to enable press-fit of the closure onto the container neck finish and a steep back angle to retard removal of the closure from the neck finish. Rotation of the closure on the neck finish is prevented by the non-circular cross sections of the neck finish and the closure wall.
US08307997B2
A Mounting device for disk-shaped substrates (2) with a comb-like holder (1) having an elongated web (3), on which a plurality of comb elements (4) is arranged at equal distances from each other. Between the neighboring comb elements (4) a mounting gap (9) is formed which comprises an outer contour having two recesses (5; 6) that are offset from each other, and a contact surface (7) and a guiding surface (8) for the substrate to be inserted into the mounting gap (9). The outer contour of the two recesses (5; 6) comprises a groove (10) on the web-side with a slanted surface section (11) on the web-side that is located in a plane (10) running in an inclined manner at an acute angle relative to the plane of the contact surface (7) of the outer contour of the mounting gap (9).
US08307994B2
A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.
US08307992B2
A liquid separation membrane installation body includes a porous base material, and a liquid separation membrane provided on the porous base material, the liquid separation membrane is a porous membrane formed of a dispersant layered inorganic compound, and a membrane thickness of the liquid separation membrane is 0.1 to 1.5 μm. The liquid separation membrane is preferably formed of a sheet-like dispersant layered inorganic compound which has a thickness of 0.1 to 100 nm, a major diameter of 0.01 to 5 μm and an aspect ratio (the major diameter/the thickness) of 3 or more and which is formed into the membrane on the porous base material. There is disclosed the liquid separation membrane installation body capable of increasing a permeation flow rate of a liquid.
US08307987B2
A separation system includes an air separator that, in one embodiment, primarily receives Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) containing a mixture of relatively light MSW recyclable materials such as plastic, paper, cardboard, plastic containers, and/or metal containers and relatively heavy MSW such as textiles, food waste, yard debris, etc. The air separator blows the relatively light MSW recyclable materials up though a chamber and onto a first conveyor while the other relatively heavy MSW material drops down a chute onto a second conveyor. A separation screen receives the relatively light MSW recyclable materials from the air separator and separates the relatively flat fiber and plastic film materials from the other paper, plastic and metal containers. In another separation stage, an electrostatic emitter is positioned adjacent to a conveyor for applying an electrostatic charge to faciliate separation of the MSW recyclable materials. An optical identification system is configured to distinguish different types of recyclable materials.
US08307986B2
The invention relates to a material separator for conveyor systems, in particular for machines processing plastics pellets. A container provided with a covering hood or a lid (2) is provided with a laterally arranged material feed connection (3) and a suction connection (4) arranged laterally above it as well as preferably a closure device (5) arranged at the lower end of the container (5). In the interior of the container (1) a screen (11) extending over the cross section of the container (1) is provided between the material feed connection (3) and the suction connection (4). The container (1) or the container upper edge (9) is beveled on the covering hood side or the lid side according to a flat cut. The screen (11) extends from the region between the material feed connection (3) and the suction connection (4) in the interior of the container in the direction of the lid (2) up to the region of the container upper edge (9) and is preferably bent in a roof-shaped manner. The screen (11) is connected to the lid (2).
US08307980B1
A bit socket bracket assembly has a main frame, a track frame, multiple bit socket brackets and a burglarproof unit. The main frame is made of plastic. The track frame is made of metal and is securely mounted on the main frame. The bit socket brackets are slidably connected with the track frame. The burglarproof unit is connected with each bit socket bracket. Because the main frame and the track frame are two separate members, the track frame can be made of metal. Accordingly, the structural strength of the bit socket bracket assembly is enhanced. Moreover, signs formed on the track frame do not easily wear off.
US08307979B2
A sanitary toothbrush storage apparatus is provided, which comprises at least one holding compartment so shaped and dimensioned as to conveniently accommodate a toothbrush. The compartment may be juxtaposed with one or more other compartments disposed in such spaced relationship as to receive a plurality of toothbrushes. The compartments accommodate an aqueous antiseptic solution of an amount sufficient to immerse at least a substantial portion of the toothbrush head such that when awaiting further use, the toothbrush head is hygienically stored in a manner sought to inhibit environmental contamination. Separate holding compartments may be arranged in juxtaposed relationship to house small hygiene implements in hygienic conditions in readiment for further use.
US08307978B2
A suture loading package including a body portion including a securement structure for one or more lengths of suture such that the one or more lengths of suture can be stored prior to use. The suture loading package is configured and adapted to facilitate transferring each of the lengths of suture to a suture loading mechanism.
US08307977B2
The invention relates to a device for conveying vessels of the bottle type, characterized in that it comprises: a primary wheel for conveying the bottles including a plurality of transfer arms; at least two secondary conveying wheels respectively capable of conveying the bottles fed by the primary wheel; the conveying path of the bottles grasped by the clamps of the transfer arms of each secondary wheel being at one point tangential to the conveying path of the bottles grasped by the transfer arms of the primary wheel, whereby the main flow of bottles conveyed by the primary wheel is divided into at least two secondary flows of bottles respectively conveyed by the secondary conveying wheels.
US08307972B2
A feed and removal system for a machine tool has a supply device and a removal device for workpieces. Arranged at the front side of the machine tool are loading arms and unloading arms, which are pivotable about vertical pivot axes and, at their free ends, carry workpiece carrying devices.
US08307970B2
A clutch assembly for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch assembly including a first housing comprising a first clutch, a first clutch actuator and a second housing having the first clutch actuator at least partially disposed therein so that said first clutch actuator selectively engages the first clutch.
US08307969B2
A gear has a hub with cut-off portions and outer splines as one unit. Thrust pieces are inserted in the cut-off portions for transmitting thrust between a shift sleeve and a synchronizer ring. The gear has a flange portion formed with supporting holes corresponding to the cut-off portions provided with a force-amplifying slope at synchronized member sides thereof. First end portions of the thrust pieces are inserted in the supporting holes. Second end portions thereof are formed with a side end surface for receiving friction torque from the synchronizer ring and with a pressure-receiving slope for transmitting the friction torque to the force-amplifying slope. The thrust pieces swing around centers in the supporting holes so that the second end portions swing in a rotational direction to contact the pressure-receiving slopes with the force-amplifying slopes to change the friction torque to the thrust acting on the synchronizer ring.
US08307963B1
A suspension system for a motorcycle, comprising a motorcycle main frame, a swing arm pivotally mounted to the motorcycle main frame about a pivot axis, and an air-bag suspension system. The air-bag suspension system includes at least one air-bag constructed of an elastomeric material. The air-bag is housed within a housing assembly and is secured at one end to a piston located within the housing assembly and at its other end to an upper plate or end cap of the housing assembly. The housing assembly is attached to a shock absorber, and the shock absorber is attached at its forward end to the cross member plate of the motorcycle main frame and is pivotally attached at its rearward end to the lower transverse cross member of the swing arm.
US08307962B2
Disclosed is an end stabilized backing plate for an extended length brake shoe for use in a railway braking system. The backing plate includes an elongated main portion extending along a longitudinal axis. This main portion has a front face, a back face, a first end portion and an opposed second end portion. A first and second pair of tab members are provided on each of the first and second end portions. These tab members extend in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the main body and function to stabilize the end portions of the extended length brake shoe which extend beyond the length of a brake head and reduce and/or eliminate cracking of these end portions of the brake shoe. A method of stabilizing end portions of an extended length brake shoe is also disclosed.
US08307961B2
A rail vehicle brake slack adjuster comprises an axially movable, sleeve-shaped driver element (22) adapted to receive an axially applied braking force in a brake application direction, a spindle (16) axially movable within the driver element, an adjuster nut (34) in non-self-locking thread engagement with the spindle, clutch means between the driver element and the adjuster nut, and a barrel spring (30) biasing the spindle in the brake application direction. The adjuster has a combination of a first clutch (36) comprising a clutch surface on the driver element (22) directed in the brake application direction and a corresponding clutch surface on the adjuster nut (34) and a second clutch (38) comprising a clutch surface on the driver element (22) directed in the direction opposite to the brake application direction and a corresponding clutch surface on an adjuster nut sleeve (37). The adjuster nut sleeve (37) is axially movable on the adjuster nut (34).
US08307958B2
A brake support plate secures a caliper for disk brakes or the components of a drum brake to a wheel suspension or to a wheel axle. The brake support plate includes an axle opening with a snug-fit section for receiving an axle element, wherein the snug-fit section is slightly smaller than a corresponding section of the axle element. A circumference of the axle opening includes at least one discontinuation, such as, for example, a slot where the snug-fit section can be expanded for assembly. A securing element is disposed in such a manner as to decrease the discontinuation so that the snug-fit section returns to substantially its original size.
US08307956B2
A wheel restraint for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock includes various features such as, a wheel chock supported by a spring loaded articulated arm with a spring that can be selectively tightened or released, a sensor that detects whether the chock is solidly against a base plate or floor, a bi-directional pivotal joint between the articulated arm and the wheel chock to ensure that the chock can sit squarely on a mating base plate, a wheel chock that meshes with a hydraulically actuated base plate, pivotal or otherwise movable backstops that prevent a wheel chock from sliding out of position, and a base plate cleaning system. The cleaning system might include a vehicle-actuated brush, fluid spray nozzles, electric heater and removable cover plates.
US08307948B2
A silencer device for a hair dryer comprises a container structure (2) exhibiting a plurality of inlet openings (8), an outlet opening (9) and a conduit (10) connecting the inlet (8) and outlet (9) openings to one another and further comprising a ring (14) made of sound-absorbent material, inserted in the conduit (10) such as to interfere with a flow of air between the inlet openings (8) and the outlet (9) opening in such a way as to at least partly attenuate sound vibrations associated to the air flow. The inlet openings (8) are made on a lateral wall (6) of the container structure (2) and face the axis (X) such as to define an air flow along a first transversal direction to the axis (X) such as to define a flow of air along a first transversal direction to the axis (X), and deviating means (12) arranged in the conduit (10) impress an axial deviation along the axis (X) on the air flow coming from the inlet openings (8).
US08307947B2
Duct sound damper for deliberate reduction of sound waves for a flow machine, particularly for a compressor, with a housing having at least one horizontally extending acoustically reflective back wall and at least one front cover plate. At least one flow channel connected together through inlet opening and outlet opening is enclosed by at least one damper member reducing the sound. The damper member includes horizontal axial stringers, circumferential stringers, the front cover plate, at least one sound-insulating metal element extending horizontal to the flow-guiding cross section, and the acoustically reflective back wall.
US08307943B2
A system for venting a high-pressure flow stream is disclosed, the system comprising a device having a plurality of orifice plates, each orifice plate having a plurality of orifices, wherein the plurality of orifice plates are oriented relative to each other such that the pressure of the flow stream substantially drops.
US08307927B2
A rotating electrical machine includes a DC power supply; a rotating electrical machine; an inverter provided between the DC power supply and the rotating electrical machine to control current flowing in the rotating electrical machine; and a control device that: determines a rotational speed as a rotational speed requested for the rotating electrical machine and a requested torque as a torque requested for the rotating electrical machine; and limits a torque of the rotating electrical machine. The inverter is operated based on the rotational speed and the requested torque determined by the control device, and the control unit changes a limit of the torque in accordance with an inverter voltage which is a voltage applied to a frequency conversion portion provided in the inverter.
US08307921B2
Drilling apparatus comprises: a body; a pilot hole-drilling assembly (14) mounted to the body for drilling a pilot hole of a first diameter; and a hole-opening assembly (16) mounted to the body for opening the pilot hole to a larger second diameter. The apparatus is configured such that the pilot hole-drilling assembly (14) will drill at a faster rate than the hole-opening assembly (16) for a given unit loading. As the pilot hole-drilling assembly (14) has the capability to drill at a faster rate than the hole-opening assembly (16), the pilot hole-drilling assembly will tend to experience relatively low weight-on-bit (WOB). The pilot hole-drilling assembly (14) will thus tend to maintain a vertical orientation. The hole-opening assembly (16) will follow the path of the pilot hole, while opening the hole to the required diameter.
US08307920B2
An earth boring drill bit that includes a cutting cone with a cutting disk. Compacts are inserted within the disk having a chisel shaped end set flush with the cutting disk periphery. The compact crests and cutting disk periphery form a generally seamless cutting surface. The cutting cone can further include cutting teeth thereon also having flush mounted compacts. The compacts can be made from a material such as cemented carbide, hardfacing, tungsten, tungsten alloys, tungsten carbide and the cutter made from steel.
US08307919B2
A downhole tool string, comprising a tool string bore and a drill bit located at the bottom of the tool string. The drill bit comprises a body intermediate a shank and a working surface. The working surface may comprise a substantially coaxial rotationally isolated jack element with a portion of the jack element extending out of an opening formed in the working surface to engage a subterranean formation. The tool string may comprise a driving mechanism adapted to rotate the jack. The clutch assembly disposed within the tool string bore may comprise a first end in communication with the jack element and second end in communication with the driving mechanism.
US08307908B2
A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may comprise a coil spring having a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles.
US08307902B2
A downhole flow control tool 1, includes a flow control member in the form of a sleeve 8, and comprises a main body 2 having a longitudinal internal bore 3 extending therethrough, an upper end 4 having a box section 6, and a lower end 5 with a pin section 7, which enable connection of the tool 1 into a work string. The flow control sleeve 8 is mounted for movement relative to the bore 3 between at least a closed and one of several open positions. The tool body 2 includes several flow ports extending through a wall of the body 2 and spaced around a circumference of the body 2. The tool provides multiple fluid flow control options for directing and splitting fluid flow for example during a drilling operation to clear settled cuttings by suitable location of the tool.
US08307899B2
The present invention is directed to plug-and-abandon operations that use plugging compositions comprising cement kiln dust, pumicite, and/or lime. An embodiment includes a method of plugging a well bore for abandonment comprising: placing a plugging composition in the well bore, the plugging composition comprising: cement kiln dust in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, pumicite in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, 0% to about 24% of Portland cement by weight of cementitious components, and water; and allowing the plugging composition to set and form a plug.
US08307894B2
A method for reducing the deleterious effects of sulfate reducing bacteria in aqueous environments, particularly those in which metal materials are exposed to the microorganisms. A treatment solution containing rotenone is introduced into the aqueous environment. The rotenone is present in the treatment fluid in an amount which is sufficient to inhibit the growth of sulfate reducing bacteria on the metal material.
US08307892B2
A configurable insert for a downhole tool. The configurable insert can have a body having a bore formed therethrough, at least one shear groove disposed on the body, wherein the body separates at the shear groove when exposed to a predetermined force, applied by a threadably engaged component therewith, at least one shoulder disposed within the bore, the shoulder formed by a transition between a larger inner diameter and a smaller inner diameter of the bore, wherein the shoulder is adapted to receive one or more impediments at least partially within the bore, and one or more threads disposed on an outer surface of the body for connecting the body to a downhole tool.
US08307891B2
Wedge shaped elements form a ring structure that can increase in diameter for a grip using relative axial motion of adjacent segments. The adjacent seal is further separated from access to the edges of the adjacent segments that move relatively by ring segments attached to the wide dimension of the segments that face the seal. The ring segments move out with the wedge elements to which they are attached so that in the set position of the seal there is an enhanced barrier against the surrounding tubular with the ring segments. The ring segments further block access of the seal under compressive loading to the interface locations between the wedge shaped elements so that their relative axial movement does not trap a portion of the seal and initiate cracks in the seal that can lead to leakage past the seal.
US08307880B2
A sheet material tensioning apparatus includes frame members interconnected one with another to define a closed contour. The apparatus applies tension to sheet material by imposing a separation between frame members to expand the closed contour. Beneficially, the sheet material tensioning apparatus includes an edge-bridging mechanism, such as a spline, to span the gap between the separated frame members. The edge-bridging mechanism maintains the continuity of the edge supporting the sheet material. The sheet material apparatus may include a crossbar assembly to add rigidity to long frame members, while maintaining planar alignment even under considerable compression.
US08307878B2
A motor-drive system for retractable covering having a headrail with a horizontally disposed roller supporting a top edge of a flexible fabric material includes an electric motor mounted within a housing and interconnected to the roller to selectively rotate the roller in opposite directions while minimizing noise created from vibrations within the system. This system includes motor mounts within the housing which separate and absorb vibrations of the motor within the housing and a drive disk of a moderately soft material, which is firm enough to transfer torque from the motor to the roller while being soft enough to absorb vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted from the motor to the roller. An interconnect mounting the drive disk to the drive shaft of the motor is also made of a third relatively soft material, which is harder than the drive disk to more ably transmit torque but soft enough so as not to unduly transmit noise.
US08307869B2
The present invention is a wheel assembly having a rim with a valve aperture extending therethrough that is designed to receive a valve having a simplified a construction that can be seated directly within a tire wheel assembly to minimize the number and type of components necessary for the valve. The valve includes a main body that is positionable in a sealed and recessed or embedded configuration within the aperture in the wheel rim in communication with the interior of the tire and with a pressurized air source that is used to inflate or deflate the tire. The main body encloses a valve mechanism that includes a components situated within the main body in a manner that enables the parts to be easily removed, cleaned and/or replaced if necessary without having to remove the entire valve assembly from the wheel.
US08307866B2
A wood chipper includes a motor, a drive shaft, a feed roller, a feed chute, a chipping device 103, a discharge chute, and at least two adjustable legs. The feed roller has a centered horizontal position which is halfway between its minimum and maximum positions. When the feed roller is at its centered horizontal position, the motor, the drive shaft, and the feed roller are all level with one another. When the feed roller is below its centered position, the drive shaft is angled down from the motor to the feed roller. When the feed roller is above its centered position, the drive shaft is angled up from the motor to the feed roller. A plurality of guides maintain the feed roller in a level position. The legs are adjustable independent of one other to different heights. The legs angle outward at their bottom portions, where they are attached to skids.
US08307858B2
A method of making a floral halo 14 comprising the steps of forming a central support 5 by bending a wire 7 around a plurality of pin groups 3 positioned upon a special jig 1 thereby creating a central support 5 having a plurality of butterfly loops 4 for fastening flower bundles 13 thereto in such a manner that each successive flower bundle 13 covers the bent butterfly loop 4 of each preceding flower bundle 13.
US08307855B2
Systems and apparatus for suppressing/controlling pressure spikes in a fluid pipe system are described. In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling pressure spikes in a fluid pipe system includes, for example, a fluid pressure spike suppression pipe (“damper pipe”) portion with multiple openings for connecting to at least two network pipes in a fluid system pipe network. The damper pipe has a diameter that is larger than respective diameters of the network pipes within which fluid pressure spikes are to be suppressed. First and second openings for connecting to the network pipes are respectively positioned at proximal and distal ends of the damper pipe. The first opening in the damper pipe is for fluid ingress into the damper pipe via a first pipe network pipe. The second opening in the damper pipe is for fluid egress out of the damper pipe and into a second network pipe.
US08307854B1
A fluid delivery system that includes flow substrates and manifolds that minimize the number of fluid conduit ports and seals needed to build standardized fluid delivery sticks. Each flow substrate has a component attachment surface with one or more component conduit ports and an associated plurality of fastener apertures. Some flow substrates incorporate a transverse manifold connection conduit port on a surface opposite the component attachment surface. Fastener apertures associated with the transverse manifold connection conduit port are accessible adjacent to installed fluid handling components. Transverse connection between fluid delivery sticks use a welded assembly of fluid conduits to provide a transverse connecting lower layer which is sealingly retained by fasteners inserted from above through apertures associated with the transverse manifold connection conduit port. Flow substrates for each fluid delivery stick are fastened to a standardized bracket and each fluid delivery stick arrangement can be assembled and tested as an integrated subassembly.
US08307840B2
A valve device is used by being attached to a fuel tank. The valve device includes a main body portion provided with ventilation openings which become an inner end of a connecting passage with the outside of the fuel tank, a valve body opening and closing the ventilation openings using a liquid surface of a fuel, and a skirt portion extending down from the main body portion so as to surround the valve body, and also constructed so as to admit fuel due to a pressure difference between inside and outside of the fuel tank when the liquid surface of the fuel reaches a cuff portion of the skirt portion.
US08307833B2
An ashtray assembly for temporarily storing and containing rubbish, such as the ash and butts of cigarettes and cigars. In one aspect, the ashtray assembly can include a base assembly and an insert assembly. The base assembly can comprise a flexible body. The flexible body can include a storage container adapted to receive the rubbish. The flexible body can be made of a flexible material, such as a silicon-containing polymer, such that the flexible body can be manufactured by a molding process. Because the flexible body can be a silicon-container polymer, it may discolor when a lit end of a cigarette makes contact with the base assembly. The insert assembly can comprise an extinguishing member adapted to extinguish cigarettes, cigars, or both. The extinguishing member is preferably made of a generally non-marking and rigid material. The insert assembly can provide structural integrity and can be removably secured within the base assembly.
US08307830B2
A multi-layer inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. The outer layer and the inner layer of the balloon cuff may have different material properties that may enhance a cuff's mechanical pressure seal by reducing wrinkles or folds that may form against a patient's tracheal walls.
US08307825B1
A membrane oxygen humidifier including at least one water permeable membrane, an enclosure having an air inlet port and an air outlet port and a fan. The at least one water permeable membrane extends through the enclosure. The fan is positioned proximate at least one of the air inlet port and the air outlet port.
US08307823B2
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, breathing aid is provided. The breathing aid includes a middle portion that defines a breathing aperture that provides air flow out of the mouth of the user. An incisor is defined on the top of the middle portion and sized to receive the upper incisors teeth of the user. The location of the incisor aperture along the middle portion providing proper placement of the breathing aid in the user's mouth. An inside end of the middle portion is provided at an angle. A pair of wing-like protrusions extend sideward from the middle portion, the protrusions sized to extend outwardly beyond the sides of a user's mouth in order to prevent the breathing aid from entering the mouth.
US08307818B2
The invention discloses a novel and efficient drive mechanism for use in a variety of applications. This novel mechanism replaces traditional stepper motors or another analogous art with shape memory alloys. The drive mechanism so disclosed provides substantial operational benefits over conventional motors and other such traditional drive mechanisms that would be used in similar applications. The drive mechanism includes a high gear-ratio worm gear and worm drive which further provides precise, controlled movement of an output shaft. In the illustrative use elaborated upon herein, the motor is used to drive a photovoltaic panel so that the panel may remain in appropriate alignment with the sun throughout the day.
US08307810B2
A fuel injection system supplies fuel at high pressure to an internal combustion engine via at least two high-pressure fuel pumps and a high-pressure fuel distribution line. The high-pressure fuel pumps can operate in a first pump mode and a second pump mode, which differ in the amount of fuel that is pumped. A control unit alternately operates the high-pressure fuel pumps such that, during a first time period, at least one of the high-pressure fuel pumps is operated in the first pump mode and all other high-pressure fuel pumps are simultaneously operated in the second pump mode and such that, during a second time period, at least one of the high-pressure fuel pumps, which was operated in the second pump mode during the first time period, is operated in the first pump mode and the remaining high-pressure fuel pumps are simultaneously operated in the second pump mode.
US08307809B2
An engine assembly may include a cylinder head, a cam cover and a fuel rail assembly. The cylinder head may define intake and exhaust ports and the cam cover may be fixed to the cylinder head. The fuel rail assembly may include a fuel rail, a bracket assembly and a fuel injector. The bracket assembly may be fixed to the fuel rail and may include a fastener and an isolation member. The fastener may be engaged with the cam cover and may secure the fuel rail thereto. The isolation member may be located between the fuel rail and the cam cover to isolate vibration therebetween. The fuel injector may be in communication with the fuel rail and may extend into a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder head at a location between the intake and exhaust ports.
US08307805B2
A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine is described that includes a scraper ring with an oil collector located immediately beneath an upper piston ring on a reciprocating piston. The scraper ring serves to deposit oil onto the inner surface of the upper cylinder liner near the combustion chamber in reaction to the decelerating movement of the piston as the piston approaches TDC. The oil scraper collects oil in a collection groove as the piston travels along the lower portion of the cylinder and carries inertia onto the cylinder liner.
US08307803B2
A work machine to which a cassette gas cylinder is detachably attached is disclosed. The cassette gas cylinder is accommodated inside a gas cylinder case. The gas cylinder case for accommodating the cassette gas cylinder is detachably attached to the work machine so that the gas cylinder case wherein the cassette gas cylinder is accommodated can be transported together with the cylinder.
US08307797B2
In an internal combustion engine valve drive train shifting device including a camshaft having at least two shifting units arranged on the camshaft in spaced relationship, at least one coupling unit is provided interconnecting the at least two shifting units for shifting purposes.
US08307792B2
An internal combustion engine has a mechanism, through which movement of a piston can be transferred to a crankshaft, from a first con rod on which the piston is mounted. The mechanism has an oscillating device mounted on a crankcase of the engine for oscillating on a first axis parallel to the crankshaft axis. The oscillating device is connected to a second con rod connected to the crankshaft for relative rotation on a second axis parallel to the first axis, and also to the first con rod for rotation on a third axis parallel to the first and second axes. The oscillating device is connected to the con rods so that the first axis and the crankshaft axis are on opposite sides of the piston axis, to enable adjustment of piston reciprocation.
US08307791B2
A four-cycle air-oil cooled engine includes a cylinder head having a spark plug mounting hole formed therein, and a ring-like groove formed therein and surrounding the spark plug mounting hole. The cylinder head is formed with first and second co-planar sealing surfaces, disposed on a plane perpendicular to an axis of the spark plug mounting hole, and having an opening end of the ring-like groove disposed therebetween. The ring-like groove defines an oil jacket around the periphery of the spark plug mounting hole. A cover member having a flat surface opposed to the first and second flat sealing surfaces of the cylinder head is secured to the cylinder head such that a single gasket is interposed between the first and second sealing surfaces and the flat surface of the cover member.
US08307777B2
A bookmark can include a ribbon attached to a rigid body. The bookmark can include a resilient biasing member that assists in achieving a desired orientation of the rigid body relative to a book when the bookmark is coupled with the book.
US08307774B2
A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, a foot-rudder control member, a footrest member and a positioning structure. The foot-rudder control member pivotally coupled to the base. The foot-rudder control member includes a rudder control attachment. The footrest member is supported on the foot-rudder control member. The footrest member includes a shoe attachment. The positioning structure is operatively coupled between the base and the foot-rudder control member. The positioning structure includes a contact member and a setting member. The contact member is movably provided to one of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The contact member is biased into contact with the other of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The setting member is adjustably arranged to change an urging force on the contact member.
US08307771B2
Disclosed is a control apparatus for a planter implement having a drill shaft and at least one row unit including a seed meter. A clutch unit is mounted inside the row unit so that it is protected against contact and damage by crop debris and other material passing by the planting implement. An input of the clutch driven off of the drill shaft of the planting implement and an output of the clutch is operably connected to the seed meter so that operation of the clutch unit interrupts dispensing of seed by the seed meter. The clutch unit is controlled by an electrical control system to limit or prevent overlap of seed being planted by the planting implement.
US08307769B1
A light-weight, folding table has a plurality of folding legs coupled to a table top. The table top includes a laminate with a plastic sheet bonded to a plywood layer. A perimeter edge channel encloses a perimeter edge of the laminate along the sides without enclosing corners of the laminate. Corner caps cover the corners of the laminate. The corner caps overlap ends of the edge channel at the corner.
US08307759B2
The present invention is a fryer basket or roaster basket constructed with fine wire mesh to prevent food particles from remaining in the fryer oil once the fried food is removed. The fryer basket is preferably constructed of stainless steel, but other materials could be used including but not limited to copper, brass, glass, fiberglass or the like.
US08307756B1
An indicator system for use with a popcorn popping machine providing a sensory perceptible signal to a user that ventilation filters should be cleaned. The indicator system may automatically track an interval based on a prior filter cleaning or usage of the popcorn popping machine.
US08307750B2
A gas operated autoloading firearm having an improved bolt carrier. The gas piston system may include a barrel defining a longitudinally-extending bullet pathway, a gas block defining a piston bore, a passageway fluidly connecting the bore with the bullet pathway for diverting combustion gas to the bore upon discharging the firearm, and a piston slidably disposed in the bore for reciprocating movement. The piston actuates a reciprocating bolt assembly including a bolt carrier slidably received in a receiver. The bolt carrier includes supporting and guiding surfaces configured to reduce receiver wear and bolt carrier drag.
US08307747B2
A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a spring biased forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The spring bias causes the latch to positively engage the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle.
US08307744B2
Disclosed herein are embodiments of tools and tool kits for use with a movable work piece having at least one fastener, the tool preventing movement of the work piece and fastener when a force is exerted on the fastener. One embodiment of such a tool comprises an elongate handle, a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a distal end with an aperture configured to engage the fastener to prevent the fastener from rotating when a rotational force is exerted on the fastener. The first arm is movably connected to the elongate handle. The second arm extends from the elongate handle. The second arm is spaced apart from the first arm and comprises a side surface configured to contact a portion of the movable work piece to prevent the work piece from movement. The first arm is movably connected to the handle proximate the second arm.
US08307741B2
A multi-function tool includes an extendible and retractable portion that becomes offset from a centerline position of the handle when in the offset position. A locking mechanism allows the workman to offset the shaft from a centerline position of the handle, or retract the shaft back into the handle into a centerline position. While the shaft is in the extended and offset position, the shaft rotates freely in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When the shaft is retracted in the straight centerline position, a ratchet mechanism or gear box restricts shaft rotation in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or allows rotation in either direction. The shaft can be extended and offset by means of a spring or other device that allows the locking mechanism to offset automatically or semi-automatically when the locking mechanism is activated. The shaft allows the workman to interchange bits or sockets for multiple applications.
US08307739B2
Methods of forming cutting element pockets in earth-boring tools may include forming a first recess and a second recess. A filler material is disposed in the second recess to the form at least a portion of a back surface of the pocket. Methods of forming cutting element pockets in earth-boring tools may include orienting a rotating cutter generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a cutting element pocket to be formed in a body of an earth-boring tool and machining the cutting element pocket in the earth-boring tool. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include forming a body comprising at least one blade and forming at least one cutting element pocket in the at least one blade.
US08307731B2
A driveline component with a first drive member, which is rotatable about an axis, a second drive member and a clutch. The second drive member has a hub, which is supported on the first drive member for rotation about the axis, and a transmission portion. The transmission portion, which is configured to engage a flexible power transmitting member, is disposed about the hub and aligned to a transmission axis that is generally perpendicular to the axis. The clutch has a spring and a set of interleaved clutch plates having portions that are coupled for rotation with a respective one of the first drive member and the second drive member. The spring generates a force that is transmitted through the hub such that the clutch plates frictionally engage one another. The location of the transmission portion relative to the transmission axis is unaffected by wearing of the set of clutch plates.
