US08314383B2
This invention describes an ion mobility spectrometer system for chemical detection in the field. The system allows: a high throughput operation, an interface to new ionization methods, and an interface to a mass spectrometer.
US08314382B2
The invention relates to method and apparatus for production of gaseous ions from components of a condensed phase sample and analysis thereof, wherein one or more liquid jet(s) is/are directed to the surface of the sample to be investigated, where the impact of the liquid jet on the sample surface produces droplets carrying sample particles which are turned into gaseous ions via the evaporation of liquid or, if desired, by a subsequent ionization after the evaporation and the obtained sample particles are analyzed by a known method.
US08314380B2
A patient bed drive mechanism, under control of a processor, is capable of continuously moving a patient bed through the a TOF-PET detector array having a stationary field of view (FOV) for a distance in excess of the physical extent of an axis of the array FOV. A direct memory access (DMA) rebinner card is coupled to the detector array to receive therefrom a stream of TOF-PET coincidence event data during the extent of movement of the bed. Image projection data are generated in real time from the acquired stream of TOF-PET coincidence event data via the DMA card.
US08314379B2
A drive unit for a synchronous ion shield mass separator having a reference oscillator (1), a digital direct synthesizer (2), a low-pass filter (3) and a comparator (4), wherein the synchronous ion shield mass separator has a comb-shaped separation electrode (6), the reference oscillator (1) provides the direct digital synthesizer (2) with a reference frequency, the output signal generated by the direct digital synthesizer is filtered by the low-pass filter (3) and the output signal of the low-pass filter (3) is processed by the comparator (4). A drive unit that can be applied flexibly and economically is implemented in that the output signal of the comparator (4) is converted by a programmable element (11) into a number of output signals corresponding to the number of teeth (7) of the comb-shaped separation electrode (6).
US08314377B2
The present invention regards methods and devices for detecting plaque on a surface in the oral cavity to which a fluorescent agent capable of binding to plaque has been applied, whereby a radiation source emits incident radiation for contacting the surface, reflected light and fluorescent emission resulting from contact of the radiation with the surface is collected by an optical collector and conveyed by an optical pathway in the device, where the optical light signal of the reflected light and fluorescent emission is converted to an electrical signal, and where the electrical signals of the fluorescent emission and the reflected light are then mathematically manipulated to provide a compensated plaque value as a function of the distance from the optical collector and the surface of the oral cavity to which the fluorescent agent has been applied.
US08314376B2
A solid-state imaging device having unit pixels arranged therein is provided, each unit pixel including: a transfer transistor configured to transfer a charge from a photoelectric conversion part to a floating diffusion part; a first reset transistor configured to reset the floating diffusion part; a charge storage capacitor; a charging transistor configured to charge the charge storage capacitor by a current corresponding to a charge in the floating diffusion part; a second reset transistor configured to reset the charge storage capacitor; an amplifying transistor configured to output an electric signal corresponding to a charge in the charge storage capacitor; and a selection transistor configured to selectively cause the amplifying transistor to be in an operation state.
US08314367B2
A heating unit comprising an outer shell defining a portion of the heating unit periphery, an inner shell disposed within the outer shell and defining an internal cavity, an intermediate cavity formed by the inner and outer shells, a plurality of openings in the inner shell providing air flow between the intermediate cavity and the internal cavity, a heating source, a distribution device transferring heated air from the heating source to the intermediate cavity, a plurality of ambient air vents, and wherein the heated air traverses the plurality of ambient air vents and the plurality of openings.
US08314360B2
Apparatuses and methods are provided for processing a substrate having an upper surface that includes a central region, a peripheral region, and an edge adjacent to the peripheral region. An image having an intensity sufficient to effect thermal processing of the substrate is scanned across the upper surface of the substrate. The image scanning geometry allows processing the central region of the substrate at a substantially uniform temperature without damaging the outer edge. In some instances, the image may be formed from a beam traveling over at least a portion of the central region so that no portion thereof directly illuminates any portion of the edge when the image is scanned across the periphery region. The substrate may be rotated 180° or the beam direction may be switched after part of the scanning operation has been completed.
US08314357B2
A method of using Joule heating to regenerate nanowire based biosensors. The nanowire based biosensor contains various detection molecules, such as nucleic acids, bound to the surface of the nanowire. Binding of analyte nucleic acids to the detection molecules alters the electrical properties of the nanowire, producing a detectable signal. By passing a Joule heating effective amount of electrical current through the nanowire, the nanowire may be heated to a temperature sufficient to dissociate the bound analyte from the detection molecule, without damaging the detection molecules or the bond between the detection molecules and the nanowire surface. The Joule heated nanowires may thus be regenerated to an analyte-free “fresh” state and used for further sensing. In alternate embodiments, the specificity of the nanowire for a particular analyte may be modulated by using Joule heating to heat the nanowire to an intermediate temperature where some analytes bind and some do not.
US08314348B2
A multilayer printed wiring board includes a first interlaminar resin insulating layer, a first conductor circuit formed on the first interlaminar resin insulating layer, a second interlaminar resin insulating layer formed on the first interlaminar resin insulating layer and the first conductor circuit, a second conductor circuit formed on the second interlaminar resin insulating layer. A via conductor can be formed in the opening portion. The opening portion of the second interlaminar resin insulating layer can expose a face of the first conductor circuit. The via conductor connects the first conductor circuit and the second conductor circuit. The via conductor includes an electroless plating film formed on inner wall face of the opening portion and includes an electrolytic plating film formed on the electroless plating film and on the exposed face of the first conductor circuit exposed by the opening portion. The second conductor circuit includes the electroless plating film and the electrolytic plating film.
US08314335B1
A convertible electrical device cover including a base and an adapter coupled as an assembly and configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter may be located between the electrical device and a rear of the base. In particular implementations, a portion of the adapter may be located behind the yoke of the electrical device. The adapter may be movably coupled to the base. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter may be located between the electrical device and a rear of a base.
US08314332B1
A configurable electrical box includes an electrical box having a wall structure that defines an internal space, a front open end, and a rear open end. The wall structure includes at least one pair of opposing walls. In addition, at least two slots disposed through at least one wall of the pair of opposing walls. A dividing plate is slidably coupled with one of the at least two slots and is positionable between an engaged position and an unengaged position. The dividing plate is in contact with both of the pair of opposing walls when in the engaged position.
US08314326B2
A photovoltaic device and related methods. The device has a structured material positioned between an electron collecting electrode and a hole collecting electrode. An electron transporting/hole blocking material is positioned between the electron collecting electrode and the structured material. In a specific embodiment, negatively charged carriers generated by optical absorption by the structured material are preferentially separated into the electron transporting/hole blocking material. In a specific embodiment, the structured material has an optical absorption coefficient of at least 103 cm−1 for light comprised of wavelengths within the range of about 400 nm to about 700 nm.
US08314323B2
A solar cell module includes: two solar cells that photogenerate carriers, each having a first electrode on a first main face of a photoelectric conversion body, and a second electrode of opposite polarity on a main face; and a wiring member to electrically connect the two solar cells via the respective cell's first and second electrodes. A bus-bar electrode collects photogenerated carriers from the finger electrodes. The wiring member connects to the bus-bar electrode of one solar cell through a conductive resin connection layer. The connection layer also contacts the first main face of the photoelectric conversion body.
US08314320B2
CPU 21 decides a current melody tone CM relating to a key depressed at a the leading position of a current beat and a previous melody tone PM relating to a key depressed at the leading position of a beat coming directly before the current beat, based on time information, in particular, beat information, controlling progress of automatic accompanying data in operation in a melody sequence progressing in response to manipulation of a keyboard 11. Further, CPU 21 performs a chord name deciding process to decide a current chord name, based on the decided current melody tone, previous melody tone, and a previous chord name PreCH, or a chord name at the previous beat. When deciding a melody tone, CPU 21 decides the current melody tone CM and the previous melody tone PM based on what number the current beat is in a measure.
US08314317B2
A tremolo device with a movable bridge, an adjustment device, and a support frame is implemented on an acoustic guitar, with features that can also be employed on an electric guitar or other stringed instruments. The movable bridge holds strings of the musical instrument in tension. The adjustment device, such as a tremolo bar, moves the bridge to change the tension of the strings. The support frame engages the bridge at a first area and engages the musical instrument at a larger second area. When the tremolo device is used, the support frame receives a force over the first area and transmits a corresponding force to the musical instrument over the larger second area, reducing the pressure that would be experienced by the musical instrument. The support frame also transmits string vibration received through the bridge to the instrument body to produce proper acoustic tones.
US08314314B1
A novel maize variety designated PHW6G and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHW6G with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHW6G through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHW6G or a locus conversion of PHW6G with another maize variety.
US08314313B1
A novel maize variety designated 10143760 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 10143760 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10143760 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10143760, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10143760. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10143760.
US08314310B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH683282. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH683282, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH683282 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 CH683282.
US08314294B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016502. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016502. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016502 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016502 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08314277B2
The service life and deactivation rate of a benzene saturation catalyst is improved through use of a new sulfur guard bed containing a chloride additive. This sulfur guard bed, which contains supported CuO material having an increased resistance to reduction, shows such improvement. Thus, the danger of run-away reduction followed by a massive release of water and deactivation of an isomerization catalyst is practically eliminated. The fact that the guard bed material preserves the active metal phase-copper in an active (oxide) form is an important advantage leading to very low sulfur content in the product stream. The sulfur capacity per unit weight of sorbent is also significantly increased, making this sorbent a superior cost effective sulfur guard product. The guard bed is effective in treating mixed phase feed streams.
US08314274B2
A process for improving cold flow properties of diesel range hydrocarbons produced from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils and animal oils. A renewable feedstock is treated by hydrogenating and deoxygenating to provide an effluent comprising paraffins followed by isomerizing and selectively hydrocracking at least a portion of the paraffins to generate a diesel range hydrocarbon product. A portion of the diesel range hydrocarbon product is selectively separated and recycled to the isomerization and selective hydrocracking zone.
US08314273B2
A process for making HFC-236cb is disclosed. The process comprises reacting TFE with HFC-32 in the presence of at least one co-product and a suitable catalyst to produce a product mixture comprising HFC-236cb, wherein the total amount of the at least one co-product is at least 10 ppmv based on the total amount of the tetrafluoroethylene, the difluoromethane and the at least one co-product.
US08314262B2
The invention broadly relates to the use of α,β-unsaturated fatty acids to inhibit the filamentous growth of fungi and yeasts and to a method for producing same. In particular the invention relates to the use of optionally substituted C8 to C15 α,β-unsaturated fatty acids or salts, esters or amides thereof for inhibiting or retarding the yeast-to-mycelium transition of organisms having a dimorphic life cycle.
US08314260B2
Accordingly, the current invention provides a method for the manufacture of an ether or ester of 5-hydroxymethyl-furfural by reacting a hexose-containing starting material or HMF with an alcohol or an organic acid dissolved into an ionic liquid, using a metal chloride as catalyst.
US08314259B2
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a glycerol carbonate (GC). The method includes a bio-catalyst reaction for generating the GC and byproducts generated by reacting a reactant solution using a lipase of a bio-catalyst. In this instance, the reactant solution is prepared by adding glycerol, a glycerol-containing composition, or a dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in a reaction solvent.
US08314256B2
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”), compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.
US08314252B2
Process for preparing oxazoline-protected aminodiol compounds useful as intermediates to florfenicol
Processes for preparing oxazoline compounds are disclosed. These oxazoline compounds are useful intermediates in the preparation of Florfenicol and related compounds.
US08314248B2
The present invention describes a novel process for preparing an epothilone derivative using substituted pyridines and methyltrioxorhenium as catalyst.
US08314246B2
The present invention relates to new compositions and reactions to produce allylic alcohols or precursors of allylic alcohols (e.g., silyl ethers of allylic alcohols). Methods of the invention may comprise combining an alkene and an aldehyde in the presence of a transition metal catalyst (e.g., a nickel catalyst) to form an allylic alcohol or precursor of an allylic alcohol. Reaction products of the present invention may be valuable as intermediates and/or products in pharmaceutical and polymer research. Also, methods of the invention may be useful as fragment coupling reactions in complex molecule synthesis. Moreover, methods of the invention may include the use of reagents which, under reaction conditions known in the art, may have been unreactive, i.e., may not have been able to form the reaction product. The reagents used in the present invention may be relatively lower in cost than in other methods. Also, methods of the invention may reduce the number of synthetic and purification steps required to produce the reaction products, as well as reducing time, cost, and waste production.
US08314242B2
Process for the preparation of 4-aminobut-2-enolide compounds of the formula (I): comprising reaction of a 4-(methylamino)furan-2(5H)-one compound of the formula (II) with an amine of the formula (III) in which R1 and A have the definitions mentioned in the description, optionally in the presence of a Brønstedt acid.
US08314237B2
The present invention provides processes for the preparation of 10-keto and/or 10-hydroxy morphinans. In particular, the invention provides to processes for preparing a 10-keto morphinan by chromium-catalyzed benzylic oxidation of a morphinan with a periodic acid.
US08314229B2
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed.
US08314228B2
Exemplary embodiments provided herein include novel promoters isolated from the microalgae, Nannochloropsis. These promoters drive gene expression in a bidirectional manner, and are especially useful for the genetic manipulation of Nannochloropsis and other organisms. The inventors herein successfully used these promoters (in both parallel and antiparallel orientations with respect to a Sh ble gene cassette) to impart zeocine-resistance to Nannochloropsis.
US08314227B2
The present invention is directed to RNA oligonucleotides or complexes of RNA oligonucleotides, denoted herein together as RNA complexes, containing at least one, but optionally more that one, hydroxymethyl substituted nucleotide monomer(s). By a hydroxymethyl substituted nucleotide monomer is understood a nucleotide monomer containing a hydroxymethyl group (that may be unsubstituted, O-substituted for example with a conjugating group, or converted into an optionally substituted or conjugated aminomethyl group). This hydroxymethyl group is not partaking in formation of an internucleotide linkage and is not the hydroxymethyl group (containing the 5′-hydroxy group) of a natural RNA monomer. The RNA complexes of the invention may be useful for therapeutic applications, diagnostic applications or research applications.
US08314224B2
Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.
US08314221B2
A first objective is to demonstrate a method for the detection and prognosis of cancer and of its metastatic potential. Preferably, the cancer is selected from breast cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, a sarcoma and a leukaemia, without being limited thereto. One aspect consists of the use of the LIV21 complex as a prognostic indicator for cancer and in the therapeutic monitoring thereof. The LIV21 complex is defined in terms of the extract of proteins and peptides studied by Maldi and ESI MS/MS or Maldi Tof/Tof mass spectrometry. The extract was obtained by attachment of the LIV21 complex to one of these LIV21 polyclonal antibodies. The LIV21 complex is also defined in terms of its overall mass spectrometry profile and the number and the molecular weight of the bands of protein extracts obtained as a function of the temperature to which the sample is subjected and the migration conditions described. Another aspect is the use of biochips for the pharmacodiagnosis of oncological pathologies and of neurodegeneration.
US08314217B2
This invention provides cross-linked glycopeptide-cephalosporin compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are useful as antibiotics. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds; methods for treating bacterial infections in a mammal using such compounds; and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08314198B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for polymerization, and, in particular, provides an apparatus for gas phase fluidised bed polymerization of olefins, which apparatus comprises: A) a first section which is an upright cylindrical section having a diameter, D1, and cross-sectional area, A1, and B) a second section, provided vertically above the first section and centered about a common vertical axis to the upright cylindrical first section, the base of the second section having a cylindrical cross-section of diameter D1 and being joined to the top of the first section, and the horizontal cross-sectional area of the second section above its base being greater than the cross-sectional area of the first section, characterized in that: i) D1 is greater than 4.5 meters, and ii) the second section has a maximum horizontal cross-sectional area, A2, which is between 3.2 and 6 times the cross-sectional area, A1, of the first section.
US08314192B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing an interpenetrating polymer network structure, which comprises the steps of impregnating a polymer molding with a radical polymerizable composition containing an ethylenically unsaturated compound and a radical polymerization initiator; and polymerizing the ethylenically unsaturated compound in a swollen state of the polymer molding impregnated with the radical polymerizable composition; wherein a chain transfer agent and/or a radical polymerization inhibitor are added to the radical polymerizable composition and/or the polymer molding before impregnating the polymer molding with the radical polymerizable composition. According to the present invention, a highly uniform interpenetrating polymer network structure can be obtained. The present invention also provides a polishing pad which is exhibits high in-plane uniformity of a polishing rate during polishing, and also has excellent flattening properties and improved pad lifetime during polishing, and a process for producing the same.
US08314190B2
A fluoropolyether base rubber composition comprising (a) a linear fluoropolyether compound containing at least two ester groups in a molecule and a divalent perfluoroalkyl ether structure in its backbone, and having a Mn of 3,000-100,000, and (b) a siloxane polymer containing at least three amino groups in a molecule cures at room temperature into a product having heat resistance, low-temperature performance, chemical resistance, solvent resistance and oil resistance.
US08314188B2
Proposed is a process for the continuous hydrogenation of carbon-carbon double bonds in an unsaturated polymer to produce a hydrogenated polymer, said unsaturated polymer being based on a conjugated diolefin and at least one other copolymerizable monomer, in the presence of a homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst, wherein said unsaturated polymer, hydrogen and said homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst is passed through a multistage agitated reactor, comprising a cylindrical, elongated shell having closed ends and separated by baffles into a multiplicity of discrete chambers with access from one chamber to another through concentric circular openings, axially centered with said baffles and a continuous rotatable shaft extending concentric with said baffles within said shell with at least one impeller attached thereto positioned in each chamber, said continuous rotatable shaft and said circular openings providing annular openings and said hydrogenated polymer being withdrawn at the opposite end of the multistage agitated reactor at which the feed is introduced.
US08314171B2
The present disclosure provides a coating solution for an inkjet recording apparatus including a non-ionic polymer, a monovalent metal salt and a water-soluble organic solvent; an ink set including the coating solution and an ink composition; and an inkjet recording apparatus including the ink set.
US08314166B2
A waterproof sheet comprising a vinyl chloride-based resin composition which comprises 100 parts by weight of a vinyl chloride-based resin (A), 5 to 100 parts by weight of a plasticizer (B), 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of a hindered amine compound (C) represented by the following general formula (I), and 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of a benzotriazole-based ultraviolet light absorber (D) represented by the general formula (II): wherein R1 and R2 represent each independently an alkyl group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 6 carbon atoms; wherein R3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.
US08314158B2
This invention relates to an osmotically compacted polyelectrolyte complex having a first region and a second region, the first region having a greater modulus than the second region and a method for preparing such an article. The article comprising the polyelectrolyte complex is produced by contacting a polyelectrolyte complex with a solution comprising an osmolyte at a concentration sufficient to compact the polyelectrolyte complex. The compaction process is terminated before the entire article is osmotically compacted.
US08314156B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier comprises a protein, for example, human serum albumin and/or deferoxamine. He human serum albumin is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects associated with administration of the pharmaceutical composition. The inventor also provides methods for reducing on or more side effects of administration of the pharmaceutical composition, and methods for enhancing transport and binding of a pharmaceutical agent to a cell.
US08314154B2
A topical anti-aging skin care formulation comprising an effective amount of a benzoquinone, such as CoQ10, plus a synergistic pair of stabilizers and a synergistic pair of whiteners. The stabilizers are octyl salicylate and octyl methoxycinnamate. The whiteners are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. When proper amounts of these ingredients are used in an aqueous based emulsion formulation, the product will be initially white, and will remain white for an extended period of time.
US08314146B2
The present invention relates to novel thioamide derivatives of formula (I) and formula (Ia): wherein, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, P, Q, T, V, W, X, Y, Z, a, m and n are as defined in the description, compositions thereof, processes for their preparation and their uses as pesticides.
US08314144B2
Disclosed is the use of compounds of formula (I) wherein X, Y and Z are as defined in the description of the invention, for the preparation of an antitumor medicament, optionally in combination with different biologically active substances.
US08314140B2
Derivatives of drugs are provided, said derivatives comprising the H2S-releasing moiety 4-hydroxythiobenzamide that is either covalently linked to the drug or forms a salt with the drug. The compounds of the present invention exhibit enhanced activity or reduced side effects or both.
US08314121B2
The present invention relates to imidazolone derivatives of formula (I) to methods of preparing such derivatives, intermediates thereto, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives, and methods of inhibiting protein kinase, and methods of treatment comprising administration of such derivatives.
US08314120B2
The present invention relates to small molecule potentiators of metabotropic receptors, in particular of the mGlu2 receptor. The present invention also relates to the use of these compounds for the prevention or treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction and diseases in which metabotropic glutamate receptors are involved. The present invention thus provides compounds of formula I wherein X1 is N or C—R1, X2 is N or C—R2, X3 is N or C—R3, X4 is N or C—R4 provided that none or one of X1, X2, X3 or X4 is N; Y1 is N, C or C—R5, Y2 is N, C or C—R6, Y3 is Y1, Y2, N, C or C—R7, Y4 is N, C or C—R8 provided that only the moiety Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 to which Z is bound is C and further provided at most one of Y1, Y2, Y3 or Y4 is N; Z is O, S, S(O), S(O)2 or NRZ; Q is CH2 or CH2CH2, where one or two of the hydrogen atoms in CH2 or CH2CH2 may be replaced by halogen, C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4-haloalkyl; R1 is inter alia hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-haloalkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C4-haloalkoxy, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, a radical NR1aR1b, C-bound 3- to 7-membered, saturated heterocyclyl having 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms and 0 or 1 heteroatoms, selected from O and S, as ring members, aryl, aryl-CH2, aryloxy, hetaryl, hetaryloxy or hetaryl-CH2, wherein the heterocyclyl, aryl and hetaryl rings ring in the last six radicals themselves are unsubstituted or carry 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 identical or different radicals R1c; R2 has one of the meanings given for R1; R3 and R4 are, inter alia, selected from hydrogen, halogen, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl, C3-C6-cycloalkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, C1-C4-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkyl, phenyl, C1-C4-haloalkoxy, a radical (CH2)nNR′R″; R5, R6, R7, R8 are, independently of each other, selected from hydrogen, halogen, etc.; Ra is C3-C6-cycloalkyl, C1-C6-haloalkyl or C1-C6-alkyl, which is unsubstituted or carries one radical selected from C1-C4-alkoxy, C1-C4-haloalkoxy and a radical NRa1Ra2; and the N-oxides and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US08314118B2
This invention relates to treatment of dry eye. In particular, the invention relates to methods and formulations for treating dry eye based on topical application of opioid antagonists such as naltrexone.
US08314117B2
The disclosure generally relates to the novel compounds of formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which are CGRP receptor antagonists. The disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using the compounds in the treatment of CGRP related disorders including migraine and other headaches, neurogenic vasodilation, neurogenic inflammation, thermal injury, circulatory shock, flushing associated with menopause, airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
US08314106B2
Disclosed are drug delivery systems for the delivery of small molecule and macromolecular drugs. More particularly, disclosed are substituted analogs of 3,6-di(alkyl-4 aminobutyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine (which may also be referred to DKP), their use in the formulation of both small molecule and macromolecular drugs including therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic agents, stabilizing agents and systems for their delivery.
US08314105B2
Prophylactic treatment methods are provided for protection of individuals and/or populations against infection from airborne pathogens. In particular, prophylactic treatment methods are provided comprising administering a sodium channel blocker or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof to one or more members of a population at risk of exposure to or already exposed to one or more airborne pathogens, either from natural sources or from intentional release of pathogens into the environment.
US08314104B2
Methods are provided for treating diabetes, lowering plasma level of HbA1c, glucose plasma levels, total cholesterol plasma level, and/or triglyceride plasma level while increasing HDL cholesterol levels and delaying onset of diabetic retinopathy in a diabetic, pre-diabetic, or non-diabetic mammal while minimizing undesirable side effects.
US08314099B2
The present invention relates to novel 1-benzyl-3-hydroxymethylindazole derivatives according to formula (I) described in the claims, and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising them, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of novel 1-benzyl-3-hydroxymethylindazole derivatives for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition that is active in the treatment of diseases based on the expression of MCP-1 and CX3CR1, and to their use in a method for treating or preventing diseases based on the expression of MCP-1 and CX3CR1.
US08314093B2
The present invention provides 3-hydroxyphenyl-2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds of formula I, as well as related compositions and methods for treating a variety of autoimmune diseases.
US08314087B2
Selected compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as HGF mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.
US08314083B2
Disclosed are injectable formulations of cetirizine for treating acute allergic reactions and methods for treating acute allergic reactions. In particular, an intravenous injectable is disclosed as are methods of treating acute allergic reactions therewith.
US08314068B2
The present invention demonstrates that P2X7 receptor induced apoptosis may be specific for cancerous cells. Treatment with the P2X7 ligand BzATP, increased cellular apoptosis with no associated inflammatory changes or abnormal skin or systemic effects. In mice treated with DMBA/TPA, BzATP decreased papilloma skin formation. BzATP also induced involution of developed papillomas and stimulated apoptosis in keratinocytes outgrowing at the base of developed papillomas. These data show that (a) P2X7 regulates apoptosis of epidermal cells; (b) in vivo, local administration of a drug that activates the P2X7 receptor can inhibit development and progression of epidermal premalignant lesions.
US08314058B2
The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a mixture of: (a) an active macromolecular principle; and (b) a non-conjugated bile acid or salt; and (c) an additive chosen from propyl gallate, butyl hydroxy anisole (BHA) and analogues and derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof.
US08314042B2
An optical glass having a refractive index nd of 1.70 or greater and an Abbé number of 50 or greater. Given as mole percentages, it comprises: B2O3 (20 to 80 percent), SiO2 (0 to 30 percent), Li2O (1 to 25 percent), ZnO (0 to 20 percent), La2O3 (4 to 30 percent), Gd2O3 (1 to 25 percent), Y2O3 (0 to 20 percent), ZrO2 (0 to 5 percent), MgO (0 to 25 percent), CaO (0 to 15 percent), and SrO (0 to 10 percent), with the combined quantity of the above components being 97 percent or greater. The molar ratio of {ZnO/(La2O3+Gd2O3+Y2O3)} is 0.8 or less and the molar ratio of {(CaO+SrO+BaO)/(La2O3+Gd2O3+Y2O3)} is 0.8 or less. Ta2O5 may be incorporated as an optional component, with the molar ratio {(ZrO2+Ta2O5)/(La2O3+Gd2O3+Y2O3)} being 0.4 or less.
US08314035B2
In a method for the manufacture of an active matrix OLED display, at least two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor are provided to drive each pixel, with a reduced number of photolithographic patterning steps.
US08314033B2
A significantly improved low-k dielectric patterning method is described herein using plasma comprising an oxygen radical source and a silicon source to remove the photo-resist layer.
US08314030B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device through a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is provided. The CMP process is performed by using a slurry. The semiconductor device fabrication method can ensure the reliability and economical efficiency of the device by performing a CMP process using a CMP slurry having a high polishing selectivity with respect to a target surface, an anti-scratch characteristic, and a high global planarization characteristic.
US08314029B2
A method for manufacturing a polishing pad containing substantially spherical cells and having high thickness accuracy includes preparing a cell-dispersed urethane composition by a mechanical foaming method; continuously discharging the cell-dispersed urethane composition from a single discharge port to a substantially central portion in the width direction of a face material A, while feeding the face material A; laminating a face material B on the cell-dispersed urethane composition; then uniformly adjusting the thickness of the cell-dispersed urethane composition by thickness adjusting means; curing the cell-dispersed urethane composition with the thickness adjusted in the preceding step without applying any additional load to the composition so that a polishing sheet including a polyurethane foam is formed; and cutting the polishing sheet.
US08314026B2
A conductive via and a method of forming. The conductive via includes a portion located between a conductive contact structure and an overhang portion of a dielectric layer located above the conductive contact structure. In one embodiment, the overhang portion is formed by forming an undercutting layer over the conductive contact structure and then forming a dielectric layer over the conductive contact structure and the undercutting layer. An opening is formed in the dielectric layer and material of the undercutting layer is removed through the opening to create an overhang portion of the dielectric layer. Conductive material of the conductive via is then formed under the overhang portion and in the opening.
US08314023B2
Methods involve using a memory array having memory cells comprising a diode and an antifuse, in which the antifuse is made smaller and programmed at lower voltage by using an antifuse material having a higher dielectric constant and a higher acceleration factor than those of silicon dioxide, and in which the diode is made of a material having a lower band gap than that of silicon. Such memory arrays can be made to have long operating lifetimes by using the high acceleration factor and lower band gap materials. Antifuse materials having dielectric constants between 5 and 27, for example, hafnium silicon oxynitride or hafnium silicon oxide, are particularly effective. Diode materials with band gaps lower than that of silicon, such as germanium or a silicon-germanium alloy, are particularly effective.
US08314013B2
A substrate dividing method which can thin and divide a substrate while preventing chipping and cracking from occurring. This substrate dividing method comprises the steps of irradiating a semiconductor substrate 1 having a front face 3 formed with functional devices 19 with laser light while positioning a light-converging point within the substrate, so as to form a modified region including a molten processed region due to multiphoton absorption within the semiconductor substrate 1, and causing the modified region including the molten processed region to form a starting point region for cutting; and grinding a rear face 21 of the semiconductor substrate 1 after the step of forming the starting point region for cutting such that the semiconductor substrate 1 attains a predetermined thickness.
US08314012B2
An SOI substrate having a single crystal semiconductor layer with high surface planarity is manufactured. A semiconductor substrate is doped with hydrogen, whereby a damaged region which contains large quantity of hydrogen is formed. After a single crystal semiconductor substrate and a supporting substrate are bonded together, the semiconductor substrate is heated, whereby the single crystal semiconductor substrate is separated in the damaged region. While a heated high-purity nitrogen gas is sprayed on a separation plane of the single crystal semiconductor layer separated from the single crystal semiconductor substrate, laser beam irradiation is performed. By irradiation with a laser beam, the single crystal semiconductor layer is melted, whereby planarity of the surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer is improved and re-single-crystallization is performed.
US08314008B2
A method mounting a MEMS integrated circuit on a substrate. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a film frame tape supported by a wafer film frame, the film frame tape having the plurality of MEMS integrated circuits releasably attached via respective frontsides to the film frame tape; (b) treating a backside surface oxide layer of each MEMS integrated circuit with liquid ammonia; (c) positioning a substrate at the backside of one of said MEMS integrated circuits; (d) positioning a bonding tool on a zone of the film frame tape aligned with the MEMS integrated circuit; and (e) applying a bonding force from the bonding tool so as to bond the backside of the MEMS integrated circuit to the substrate.
US08314004B2
Provided is a semiconductor device manufacturing method for a capacitor having a dielectric film which can be formed into a thin film, can be formed at a low temperature, and has a readily controllable property. The manufacturing method includes: forming, on a conductor for serving as one electrode of a capacitor, a manganese oxide film for serving as a dielectric film of the capacitor; and forming, on the manganese oxide film, a conductive film for serving as the other electrode of the capacitor.
US08314003B2
A nonvolatile memory device, a method of fabricating the nonvolatile memory device and a processing system including the nonvolatile memory device. The nonvolatile memory device may include a plurality of internal electrodes that extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a face of a substrate, a plurality of first external electrodes that extend substantially in parallel with the face of the substrate, and a plurality of second external electrodes that also extend substantially in parallel with the face of the substrate. Each first external electrode is on a first side of a respective one of the internal electrodes, and each second external electrode is on a second side of a respective one of the internal electrodes. These devices also include a plurality of variable resistors that contact the internal electrodes, the first external electrodes and the second external electrodes.
US08314002B2
A semiconductor device is formed in a thin float zone wafer. Junctions are diffused into the top surface of the wafer and the wafer is then reduced in thickness by removal of material from its bottom surface. A weak collector is then formed in the bottom surface by diffusion of boron (for a P type collector). The weak collector is then formed or activated only over spaced or intermittent areas. This is done by implant of the collector impurity through a screening mask; or by activating only intermittent areas by a laser beam anneal in which the beam is directed to anneal only preselected areas. The resulting device has an effective very low implant dose, producing a reduced switching energy and increased switching speed, as compared to prior art weak collector/anodes and life time killing technologies.
US08314001B2
Vertically stacked Field Effect Transistors (FETs) are created where a first FET and a second FET are controllable independently. The vertically stacked FETs may be connected in series or in parallel, thereby suitable for use as a portion of a NAND circuit or a NOR circuit. Epitaxial growth over a source and drain of a first FET, and having similar doping to the source and drain of the first FET provide a source and drain of a second FET. An additional epitaxial growth of a type opposite the doping of the source and drain of the first FET provides a body for the second FET.
US08313990B2
An intermediate process device is provided and includes a nanowire connecting first and second silicon-on-insulator (SOI) pads, a gate including a gate conductor surrounding the nanowire and poly-Si surrounding the gate conductor and silicide forming metal disposed to react with the poly-Si to form a fully silicided (FUSI) material to induce radial strain in the nanowire.
US08313988B2
A thin film transistor substrate includes a base substrate, a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, a surface treating layer, an active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The gate electrode is formed on the base substrate. The gate insulating layer is formed on the base substrate to cover the gate electrode. The surface treating layer is formed on the gate insulating layer by treating the gate insulating layer with a nitrogen-containing gas to prevent leakage current. The active layer is formed on the surface treating layer to cover the gate electrode. The source electrode and the gate electrode that are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance are formed on the active layer.
US08313987B2
An anti-fuse memory cell having a variable thickness gate dielectric. The variable thickness dielectric has a thick portion and a thin portion, where the thin portion has at least one dimension less than a minimum feature size of a process technology. The thin portion can be rectangular in shape or triangular in shape. The anti-fuse transistor can be used in a two-transistor memory cell having an access transistor with a gate dielectric substantially identical in thickness to the thick portion of the variable thickness gate dielectric of the anti-fuse transistor.
US08313986B2
A method of manufacturing includes arranging an integral resin sleeve formed by integrating a plurality of sleeve parts so that the sleeve parts are respectively fitted with a plurality of electrode terminals. There is a press-fitting of the sleeve parts to the electrode terminals by performing mold clamping on molds to apply a force downward on the integral resin sleeve. Further, there is a filling of a molding resin into a hollow cavity of the molds.
US08313980B2
Electric characteristics and reliability of a thin film transistor are impaired by diffusion of an impurity element into a channel region. The present invention provides a thin film transistor in which aluminum atoms are unlikely to be diffused to an oxide semiconductor layer. A thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer including indium, gallium, and zinc includes source or drain electrode layers in which first conductive layers including aluminum as a main component and second conductive layers including a high-melting-point metal material are stacked. An oxide semiconductor layer 113 is in contact with the second conductive layers and barrier layers including aluminum oxide as a main component, whereby diffusion of aluminum atoms to the oxide semiconductor layer is suppressed.
US08313978B2
An exemplary organic semiconductor copolymer includes a polymeric repeat structure having a polythiophene structure and an electron accepting unit. The electron accepting unit has at least one electron-accepting heteroaromatic structure with at least one electron-withdrawing imine nitrogen in the heteroaromatic structure or a thiophene-arylene comprising a C2-30 heteroaromatic structure. Methods of synthesis and electronic devices incorporating the disclosed organic semiconductors, e.g., as a channel layer, are also disclosed.
US08313976B2
A solar cell includes a substrate, a first electrode located over the substrate, where the first electrode comprises a first transition metal layer, at least one p-type semiconductor absorber layer located over the first electrode, an n-type semiconductor layer located over the p-type semiconductor absorber layer, and a second electrode located over the n-type semiconductor layer. The first transition metal layer contains (i) an alkali element or an alkali compound and (ii) a lattice distortion element or a lattice distortion compound. The p-type semiconductor absorber layer includes a copper indium selenide (CIS) based alloy material.
US08313971B2
It is possible to provide a camera module manufacturing method and a camera model which can improve performance of a camera module without complicating the manufacturing method. A light shield is formed on the side surface of each lens body (11) and a lens support member (12). Thus it is possible to obtain the diaphragm function for regulating the incident light flux transmission area and the function for suppressing the intrusion of stray light without using a separate diaphragm or a light shielding member.
US08313963B2
A light emitting device includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface not parallel to the first surface, and a light emission layer disposed over the second surface to emit light. The light emission layer has a light emission surface which is not parallel to the first surface.
US08313957B2
Binding an analyte can cause a change in fluorescence emission of a sensor. The change in fluorescence can be related to the amount of analyte present. The sensor can include a semiconductor nanocrystal linked to a fluorescent moiety. Upon excitation, the fluorescent moiety can transfer energy to the semiconductor nanocrystal, or vice versa.
US08313953B2
An apparatus or method for removing water and concentrating an analyte in solution, wherein the concentrated analyte sample is delivered directly to a vial, such as an autosampler vial that is capable of use in a gas chromatography autosampler.
US08313950B2
Biomarkers for determining a kidney flare episode in systemic lupus erythematosus are described.
US08313947B2
A method of testing a contact structure including exposing a gold layer of at least one contact structure of a support structure to a solution including glacial acetic acid and nitric acid; and determining a porosity of the gold layer of at least one contact structure after the exposing.
US08313945B2
Methods are provided for inducing differentiation of blood monocytes into functional antigen presenting dendritic cells. The blood monocytes are treated by exposing the monocytes to proteins adhered to the surface of a treatment device to induce differentiation of the monocytes in to dendritic cells. Differentiation of the monocytes may also be induced by physical perturbation of the monocytes during treatment. The treated monocytes may be co-incubated with disease effector agents, which may be phagocytized by the immature dendritic cells.
US08313939B2
A method of making a molded part, including forming a liquid aggregate from a mixture of ground aggregate and a fluid. A fungal inoculum and the liquid aggregate are injected into a first mold cavity. The first mold cavity is sealed against a second mold cavity. Live mycelium is grown from the fungal inoculum to fill the first and second mold cavities. The live mycelium is cured to terminate further growth and develop a formed substrate.
US08313936B2
The present invention provides polypeptides involved in cryptophycin biosynthesis and the nucleic acid molecules that encode such polypeptides. The nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides of the invention or variants thereof can be used in the methods of the invention to produce cryptophycins.
US08313934B2
There are provided bioproducts and methods of improving production of the bioproducts from engineered microbial cells, the methods comprising: providing a fermentation broth comprising a crude carbon source; inoculating said fermentation broth with said microbial cells; and incubating the inoculated fermentation broth; wherein said bioproduct is a hydrophobic solvent immiscible with said fermentation broth, and wherein a toxic side product present in said crude carbon source is soluble in said hydrophobic solvent. Also, provided are kits for practicing the methods of improving production of bioproducts.
US08313929B2
The invention relates to industrial microbiology, in particular to fermentation technology and especially to fermentation methods for filamentous microorganisms, in particular, filamentous microorganisms such as actinomycetes. The present invention discloses a method for improving the production of a product of interest in a liquid culture of filamentous microorganisms comprising providing the filamentous microorganisms with an agent for altering the morphology of microstructures of the filamentous microorganisms. The invention also relates to a method for improving the production of a product of interest in a liquid culture of filamentous microorganisms comprising altering in the filamentous microorganisms the expression level or copy number of an endogenous agent for altering the morphology of microstructures of the filamentous microorganisms. The invention further provides multiple methods for obtaining a filamentous microorganism with altered, preferably enhanced, fragmentation characteristics. However, a filamentous microorganism with reduced fragmentation characteristics is also included.
US08313925B2
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted integration of a exogenous sequence into a predetermined target site in a genome for use, for example, in protein expression and gene inactivation.
US08313921B2
A method of biodegrading municipal solid waste includes providing a quantity of municipal solid waste and promoting anaerobic digestion in the quantity of municipal solid waste by methanogenic organisms to produce methane. The methane production is monitored and when it is determined that production of methane from the quantity of municipal solid waste has subsided, aerobic digestion of the quantity of municipal solid waste is promoted. A gas collection system in operative association with the quantity of organic waste collects biogas and the biogas is monitored and the rate of gas collection is adjusted as necessary to maximize methane collection. A leachate collection system collects leachate from the quantity of municipal solid waste and circulates the leachate back to the quantity of organic waste during the anaerobic digestion and aerobic digestion steps. The leachate is preferably supplemented with liquid as necessary to maintain the moisture content of the quantity of municipal solid waste at at least the field capacity of the municipal solid waste. The leachate collection and distribution system may further be used for balancing pH or varying the nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, sulfur, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, nickel or vanadium content of the municipal solid waste during biodegradation. A porous pavement layer may be constructed over the leachate collection system to protect the leachate collection system and bottom lining during operation and excavation of the wastes.
US08313919B2
A method is provided of diagnosing and monitoring acute renal injury leading to acute renal failure in a human or mammalian subject by determining the ratio of the concentration of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in urine to that in plasma or serum.
US08313918B2
Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.
US08313914B2
A peptide includes SEQ ID NO:3, substitution and addition variants thereof which maintain the ability to activate CD44. A complex includes this peptide or an Å6 polypeptide with a CD44 polypeptide. An isolated polypeptide includes the Link region sequence of human CD44, functionally active fragments thereof, substitution variants, and addition variants. A method of treating a disease characterized by aberrant cell migration and/or invasion includes administering to a subject an effective amount of the peptide of SEQ ID NO:3 or an Å6 polypeptide to bind to a CD44 polypeptide and modulate signal transduction activity for a sufficient period of time to treat the disease. Other methods include using the peptide of SEQ ID NO:3 or an Å6 polypeptide for diagnosing, identifying a subpopulation of subjects responsive to treatment, and screening for compounds that bind a CD44 polypeptide.
US08313913B2
A method for enhancing a binding activity of an antibody composition to Fcγ receptor IIIa, which comprises modifying a complex N-glycoside-linked sugar chain which is bound to the Fc region of an antibody molecule; a method for enhancing an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic activity of an antibody composition; a process for producing an antibody composition having an enhanced binding activity to Fcγ receptor IIIa; a method for detecting the ratio of a sugar chain in which fucose is not bound to N-acetylglucosamine in the reducing end in the sugar chain among total complex N-glycoside-linked sugar chains bound to the Fc region in an antibody composition; an Fc fusion protein composition produced by using a cell resistant to a lectin which recognizes a sugar chain in which 1-position of fucose is bound to 6-position of N-acetylglucosamine in the reducing end through α-bond in a complex N-glycoside-linked sugar chain; and a process for producing the same.
US08313912B2
The invention concerns a method for diagnosing cancer in a biological sample by determining the presence of a LacdiNAc oligosaccharide sequence. The invention can be used for diagnostic agents, pharmaceutical compositions, cancer vaccines, and antigenic carbohydrate substances. The presence of cancer and malignancies is determined by contacting the biological sample with a reagent that binds to the oligosaccharide sequence. This same method can also be used in the treatment of cancer and malignancies.
US08313903B2
The invention is directed to binary oligonucleotide probes for nucleic analysis, which probes can be made of DNA or RNA that recognize nucleic acid analytes (both DNA and RNA) with unprecedented high selectivity under mild conditions and are highly sensitive to single nucleotide mismatches (SNP single nucleotide polymorphisms) without PCR amplification. In one group, the binary probes indicate that they have hybridized to a particular nucleic analyte by binding to a molecular beacon that gives off a fluorescent signal. A second group of binary probes bind to a dye such as malachite green, where upon hybridization to analyte the fluorescence of the dye increases dramatically and is easily detected and measured. The new binary probes require only about five minutes at room temperature to generate a detectable signal.
US08313901B2
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions related to the detection of conformational changes and interactions with trigger molecules in riboswitches.
US08313898B2
A method and apparatus, as defined herein, for use in compound screening, compound profiling, or both assays, for example, against two different cellular targets in, for example, a single cell-type.
US08313896B2
Method of stimulating an immune response (e.g., to treat cancer) include administering to a subject a composition including dendritic cells incubated with (i) oHSV-infected tumor cells or a composition derived therefrom, or (ii) tumor cells plus oHSV, as well as methods of preparing such compositions, are described.
US08313886B2
An additive polymer comprising recurring units of formula (1) is added to a resist composition comprising a base resin, a photoacid generator, and an organic solvent. R1 is hydrogen or methyl, R2 is alkylene or fluoroalkylene, and R3 is fluoroalkyl. The additive polymer is highly transparent to radiation with wavelength of up to 200 nm. Water repellency, water slip, acid lability, hydrolysis and other properties of the polymer may be adjusted by a choice of polymer structure.
US08313882B2
There are provided a toner and a two-component developer effective to make exudation of a release agent easy during fixing and to prevent occurrence of high-temperature offset, in which both the preservation stability and the fixing property are improved at the same time. The capsule toner comprises a toner base particle and a resin layer formed of fine resin particles with which a surface of the toner base particle is coated. In the capsule toner, both of the following expressions are satisfied: A
US08313875B2
In a solid oxide fuel cell having an anode, a cathode, and a dense electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode, the cathode having a ceramic-ionic conducting phase of a plurality of ionic conducting particles and a metallic phase of a plurality of metallic particles. The metallic phase includes a metal alloy having an oxide-to-metal transition temperature in the range of about 600° C. to about 800° C. With this cathode, solid oxide fuel cell operating temperatures as low as about 600° C. may be possible.
US08313874B2
Disclosed is a structure of a solid oxide fuel cell, including a porous tubular anode support having a plurality of through holes, and an electrolyte layer and a cathode layer sequentially formed on the inner surface of the tubular anode support, so that fuel flows via the plurality of through holes and air flows through the inside of the cathode layer, thus increasing a diffusion rate of fuel and air to thereby increase the reaction rate, resulting in excellent cell performance. This structure eliminates the flow of fuel and air around the outside of the fuel cell, thus preventing the formation of an oxidizing atmosphere at the inside and outside of the tubular cell, thereby increasing lifespan of the cell and ensuring cell reliability.
US08313869B2
A fuel cell power generation system 100 includes a mechanism for detachably holding an adsorptive desulfurization section 5 for adsorbing a sulfur component in a hydrocarbon-based raw material; a reformer for generating hydrogen-containing gas from the raw material which has passed the adsorptive desulfurization section 5; a fuel cell 8 for generating power using the hydrogen-containing gas as a fuel; a raw material supply section 4 for controlling a flow rate of the raw material to be supplied to the adsorptive desulfurization section 5; and an operating control section 16 for controlling a behavior of the raw material supply section 4 and a behavior of the fuel cell 8. When the adsorptive desulfurization section 5 is detected to have been exchanged, the operating control section 16 controls at least one of the behavior of the raw material supply section 4 and the behavior of the fuel cell 8, such that a ratio of the flow rate with respect to a target value for power generation by the fuel cell 8 is temporarily higher than the ratio of the flow rate with respect to the target value for the power generation before the exchange.
US08313866B2
An electrochemical cell includes a cathode capable of reversibly releasing and receiving an alkali metal; an anode capable of reversibly releasing and receiving the alkali metal; and a non-aqueous electrolyte including one or more dissolved lithium salts, one or more nitriles, sulfur dioxide, and one or more other polar aprotic solvents. In some embodiments, the non-aqueous electrolyte is substantially free of one or more other polar aprotic solvents
US08313856B2
To provide a thinner, lighter battery pack and to reduce the cost by eliminating the need for a battery case. A thin battery pack structure using an outer packaging film (battery pack) is constructed by a flat and rectangular shaped battery cell, a flat and rectangular shaped frame portion accommodating the battery cell, a circuit board unit disposed on the outer side surface of the frame portion, a cap portion mounted on one ends of the frame portion and the battery cell so as to sandwich the circuit board unit with the outer side surface of the frame portion, and an outer packaging film for integrally covering the rectangular battery cell and the frame portion.
US08313847B2
Information storage devices are provided. An information storage device includes a track including at least one Co alloy layer and a soft magnetic layer. The track further includes a plurality of magnetic domains. A current applying element is connected to the track. The track includes a plurality of layers stacked alternately.
US08313839B2
A method for modulating roughness of a surface, comprising: providing a first pre-stressed electrically conductive layer (10) coupled to a dielectric elastic foundation (20) provided over a second conductive layer (30); and subjecting the two conductive layers to a voltage difference, thereby modulating the roughness of the first surface.
US08313837B2
The invention relates to a water borne coating composition comprising a polyurethane and a polyisocyanate, wherein the composition further comprises a compound having a molecular weight of at most 1,000 and having at least two isocyanate-reactive groups, with the proviso that said compound having a molecular weight of at most 1,000 and having at least two isocyanate-reactive groups is not a poly(ethylene glycol), and that the polyurethane differs from the material formed by reaction of the polyisocyanate and the compound having a molecular weight of at most 1,000 and having at least two isocyanate-reactive groups.
US08313833B2
Articles coated with a water-resistant coating that absorbs water to provide the water-resistant effect, and desorbs water when the coating is dried, and a method of providing water resistance and corrosion resistance to articles prepared with such coatings. The coating is formed by applying a composition comprising an aqueous solution of a superabsorbent water-soluble polymer precursor, optionally a viscosity modifying agent, and optionally a lubricant onto the surfaces of the article, and curing to form a coating comprising the superabsorbent polymer.
US08313832B2
The present invention provides for a high thermal conductivity (HTC) paper that comprises a host matrix, such as mica, and HTC materials intercalated into the host matrix. The HTC materials are comprised of at least one of nanofillers, diamond like coatings directly on the host matrix, and diamond like coatings on the nanofillers.
US08313816B2
A method for manufacturing a reticular contact body element includes the process of manufacturing a rotating circular reticulate contact body element 4 by cutting and processing a synthetic resin fiber block that is formed by gluing the intersections of fiber yarn formed in the shape of a three-dimensional reticulum, cutting the synthetic resin fiber block to form fan shapes, making through holes 20 in the fan-shaped reticulate contact body element precursor, forming compression sections 25 by compressing the periphery 21 of the reticulate contact body element precursor and the circumferences of the through holes 20 with a hot press machine, hot-pressing the whole face of the reticulate contact body element precursor except its periphery 21 and the circumferences of the through holes 20 with the hot press machine at temperatures of 90-140° C. to make the void of the whole face of the reticulate contact body element precursor no less than 90% and no more than 98%; and promoting crystallization of the synthetic fiber by giving a rest period of no less than five days after the reticular contact body element has been hot-pressed.
US08313813B2
A process for treating a surface of an aluminium component and an aluminium component of this kind are described. The process described is characterized in that a silicon oxide layer is applied to the surface of the aluminium component.
US08313812B2
A duplex coating scheme and associated method of formation, which includes a siloxane based soft coating and a plasma based SiOxCy hard coating used in combination to improve the durability of acrylic substrates used in aircraft window applications.
US08313809B2
Provided herein are multi-layered coatings, suitable to be disposed on various substrates, as well as processes for producing the coatings. Coatings according to some embodiments of the disclosure are provided on a substrate by coating the substrate with a first layer, optionally coating the first layer with a second layer, and coating the second layer, when selected to be present with a top layer. Coating structures as provided herein can be applied to a substrate such as a garage floor, a truck bed, railcar, seatainer, tractor-trailers and the like within a single day, and can often be ready for human foot traffic within 2-4 hours after application of the top layer and can be ready for heavy traffic such as automobiles within 12-24 hours after application of the top layer.
US08313801B2
The present disclosure relates to coating formulations for neodymium-iron-boron type magnetic powders manufactured from rapid solidification processes for the purpose, inter alia, of corrosion and oxidation resistance when exposed to aggressive environments. The coating formulation preferably contains an epoxy binder, curing agent, an accelerating agent, and a lubricant. By incorporating coupling agents and optionally, other specialty additives with the magnetic powder and the organic epoxy components, additional oxidation and corrosion prevention, enhanced adhesion and dispersion between the filler and matrix phases can be achieved. This disclosure relates to all such rare earth-transition metal-boron (RE-TM-B) powders produced by rapid solidification and encompasses both the bonded magnet products that include combinations of the materials mentioned and the application processes.
US08313796B2
A method for manufacturing a positive electrode for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes forming an inorganic particle slurry layer formed on a surface of a positive electrode active material layer. The method includes forming a positive electrode active material layer on a surface of a positive electrode collector, and coating an inorganic particle slurry containing inorganic particles and carboxymethyl cellulose on a surface of the positive electrode active material layer and thereafter drying the slurry to form a porous inorganic particle layer. The inorganic particle slurry contains carboxymethyl cellulose having an etherification degree of 0.8 or more and a viscosity of 800 mPa·s or more in a 1% aqueous solution at a ratio of 0.2% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less with respect to the inorganic particles.
US08313795B2
A method for manufacturing a thin film, includes the steps of: mixing a thin-film forming material and a surfactant to prepare a dispersion in which the thin-film forming material is dispersed; forming a dispersion film from the dispersion at an inner circumference side of ring-shaped holding means; relatively moving a cylindrical supporter and the dispersion film while being in contact with each other so that the dispersion is transferred on a surface of the supporter to have a film shape, the supporter being disposed between a central portion of an inside space of the holding means and an outer circumference thereof and along an inner circumference of the holding means; drying the dispersion having a film shape formed on the surface of the supporter to form the thin film.
US08313791B2
An apparatus and method for applying a coating composition to a stent. A mandrel for supporting the stent has one or more drive pins and other supporting structure that loosely supports the stent, in an unstable position. The support permits freedom of movement of the stent relative to the mandrel to cause the stent to frequently re-position itself over the mandrel during a spraying process. When a coating composition is applied, the stent randomly or periodically moves about relative to the mandrel due to intermittent contact between the stent and the rotating mandrel and fluidic forces applied through the sprayed coating composition.
US08313790B2
The present invention relates to a process for extracting carbonylated compounds from a drink by liquid-solid extraction with a functionalized inert support containing nitrogenous nucleophilic functional groups. Advantageously, according to the present invention, the drink is wine or fruit juice. The process according to the present invention is advantageously applied to the reduction of the sulphur dioxide combination capacity of a drink such as wine.
US08313789B2
A method of promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut of a human in need thereof, which involves administering to a human a composition containing an effective amount of Ara-(1-5)-(Ara)n-(1-5)-Ara as a prebiotic, where n=0-18.
US08313779B2
It is intended to provide an evaluation method and a screening method capable of eliminating a substance that disturbs in vivo kinetics in an individual and capable of simply and easily searching a substance having an action of activating/suppressing an innate immune mechanism without being affected by LPS derived from bacteria, which can be contaminated during the search, as well as a drug and a food for activating/suppressing the innate immune mechanism, and methods of producing the same. The present invention provides a method of evaluating or screening the substance having the action of activating/suppressing the innate immune mechanism using a muscular contraction of an organism having the innate immune mechanism as an indicator, and methods of producing the drug and the food for activating/suppressing the innate immune mechanism. Also, an innate immunity activator and the food having the action of activating the innate immune mechanism containing the substance having the action of contracting the muscle of the organism having the innate immune mechanism, and an innate immunity suppressor and the food having the action of suppressing the innate immunity containing the substance having the action of suppressing the contraction of the muscle of the organism having the innate immune mechanism are provided.
US08313772B2
The present invention is directed compositions for targeted delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) polynucleotides to hepatocytes in vivo. Targeted RNAi polynucleotides are administered together with co-targeted delivery polymers. Delivery polymers provide membrane penetration function for movement of the RNAi polynucleotides from outside the cell to inside the cell. Reversible modification provides physiological responsiveness to the delivery polymers.
US08313767B2
Sustained release microparticles suitable for various types of drugs, or drug-containing sustained release microparticles capable of sustained release of drugs over a period of three days or more and capable of inhibiting initial burst release; a process for producing the same; and preparations containing the microparticles are disclosed. The drug-containing sustained release microparticles comprise a drug other than human growth hormone and a porous apatite derivative, and optionally include a water-soluble bivalent metal compound. The drug-containing sustained release microparticles can be produced by dispersing under agitation microparticles of a porous apatite derivative in an aqueous solution containing a drug so that the aqueous solution infiltrates into the porous apatite derivative; optionally adding an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble bivalent metal compound that may infiltrate into the porous apatite derivative; further adding additives such as a stabilizer to the mixture; and effecting lyophilization or vacuum drying.
US08313764B2
The invention is directed to a wound healing device. Such wound healing device utilizes novel wound healing compositions embedded onto or into a natural plant-derived cloth-based matrix.
US08313760B2
Medical implants are provided which release a fluoropyrimidine or an analog thereof, thereby inhibiting or reducing the incidence of infection associated with the implant.
US08313743B2
The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for treating a bone condition. The isolated adipose tissue-derived stromal cell of the invention and products related thereto have a plethora of uses, including but not limited to research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications such as in spinal fusion procedures.
US08313736B2
The present invention discloses certain nitrile compounds that are chemically stable and are useful as a lemon odorant or to impart a lemon odor to various consumer articles. The invention also relates to the compositions and articles that contain such compounds as well to the use of the compounds in a method of imparting a lemon odor to the compositions and articles.
US08313732B2
A metal container and a method of preparing a metal container for a pharmaceutical formulation where the active ingredient is formoterol, a stereoisomer of formoterol, and a physiologically acceptable salt of formoterol, in a solution of a liquefied HFA propellant.
US08313724B2
In some embodiments, the present invention relates to new processes to simultaneously shorten and functionalize raw or purified carbon nanotubes to improve their dispersity and processibility, and the short functionalized nanotubes that may be made by the processes. This present invention also relates to new compositions of matter using short functionalized carbon nanotubes with thermoset, thermoplastic polymers, high temperature polymers, and other materials; the processes for making such composite materials; and the products of said processes.
US08313723B2
Catalytically activated carbon fibers and methods for their preparation are described. The activated carbon fibers are engineered to have a controlled porosity distribution that is readily optimized for specific applications using metal-containing nanoparticles as activation catalysts. The activated carbon fibers may be used in all manner of devices that contain carbon materials, including but not limited to various electrochemical devices (e.g., capacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and the like), hydrogen storage devices, filtration devices, catalytic substrates, and the like.
US08313718B2
A composition for removing mercaptan from a gas stream containing at least one acid gas in addition to a mercaptan, the composition comprising a physical and/or chemical solvent for H2S and an inclusion compound for the mercaptan. A process of treating gas stream using the composition. The inclusion compound is selected from the group consisting of, cyclodextrin, cryptand, calixarene, cucurbituril. The chemical solvent may be monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA, diisopropylamine (DIPA), diglycolamine (DGA) and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA). Examples of useful physical solvents include cyclotetramethylene sulfone (sulfolane) and its derivatives, aliphatic acid amides, NMP (n-methylpyrrolidone), N-alkylated pyrrolidones and corresponding piperidone, methanol and mixtures of dialkethers of polyethylene glycols. The method comprises scrubbing preferably the natural gas with an aqueous solution comprising the above compounds followed by a stripping regeneration step.
US08313713B2
A device and method solves the problems of improving precision, in particular in reducing movement of a cuvette, particularly lateral or side to side movement of a cuvette, during the measurement process. The device, which stabilizes a cuvette during a measurement read in an analyzer having a cuvette path of travel, includes: a fixed support located on a first side of the path of travel and abutting a side of the cuvette at a location that does not interfere with an optical window on the cuvette on which the measurement read takes place; and a movable support located on a second side of the path of travel and biased against a side of the cuvette at a location that does not interfere with the optical window on the cuvette on which the measurement read takes place, and which is opposite the side abutting the fixed support.
US08313701B2
A device and method for continuously controlling the flow rate of an aqueous chemical drawn into a flowing fluid stock includes a metering assembly drawing the aqueous chemical into the inlet of a metering assembly through a flow rate sensor and then through a metering device and into the flowing fluid stock. The flow sensor is monitored and an electronic controller can adjusts the flow rate of the aqueous chemical through the metering device in response to monitoring the flow rate sensor. An electronic controller can also change the direction of the flow of the aqueous chemical into the flowing fluid stock through one ejector to another ejector in response to monitoring at the metering assembly.
US08313697B2
The present invention relates to a cartridge 1 including a plurality of analyzing tools 3 arranged lined in a plane direction and a case 2 for accommodating the plurality of analyzing tools 3, and being configured to take out the analyzing tool 3 one at a time from the case 2. The plurality of analyzing tools 3 further include engagement means 32, 33 for restricting the analyzing tools 3 adjacent to each other in the plane direction and allowing removable attachment in a thickness direction D1, D2 of the analyzing tool 3. The present invention further relates to an analyzer and an analyzing system for analyzing a sample using the cartridge 1.
US08313693B2
A shaving razor maintenance system includes a razor container defining a reservoir bottom region and razor head supporting structure disposed to restrict razor head and blade portions from entering the reservoir bottom region, and a two-phase liquid including a first liquid including a first anti-microbial agent, and a non-corrosive second liquid. The first liquid is water-miscible and has a specific gravity relatively greater than the specific gravity of the second liquid. The first and second liquids are also immiscible, but, upon agitation, form a temporary, generally homogeneous emulsion. A method for maintaining a razor head and blade portion is also described.
US08313682B2
A method of manufacturing a foam having a negative Poisson's ratio comprising the steps: placing a pad 12 of open cell polyurethane foam on a moulding surface 4; placing a flexible membrane 18 over the exposed surface of the foam to create a sealed chamber 20 between the moulding surface 4 and the flexible membrane 18 in which the foam pad 12 is disposed; applying an isostatic pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the chamber 20 thereby collapsing the foam pad 12 between the flexible membrane 18 and the moulding surface 4; heating the foam pad 12 to a predetermined temperature, and subsequently cooling the foam pad 12 while collapsed.
US08313673B2
The present invention is directed to a thick film conductive composition comprising: (a) electrically conductive silver powder; (b) Mn-containing additive; (c) glass frit wherein said glass frit has a softening point in the range of 300 to 600° C.; dispersed in (d) organic medium.The present invention is further directed to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device from a structural element composed of a semiconductor having a p-n junction and an insulating film formed on a main surface of the semiconductor comprising the steps of (a) applying onto said insulating film the thick film composition as describe above; and (b) firing said semiconductor, insulating film and thick film composition to form an electrode.
US08313667B2
Deicing compositions comprised of glycerol-containing by-products of triglyceride processing processes are disclosed.
US08313664B2
In a plasma reactor having an electrostatic chuck, wafer voltage may be determined from RF measurements at the bias input using previously determined constants based upon transmission line properties of the bias input, and this wafer voltage may be used to accurately control the DC wafer clamping voltage.
US08313657B1
A method and system are described to treat ammonia-containing wastewater or process waters. Sewage containing human or animal waste and certain process liquids, typically water, contains high levels of nitrogen in the form of ammonia. An electro-chemical method to extract the ammonia from the wastewater is also described. The system described is one implementation of this method. One or more electrolysis cells convert ammonium to ammonia where the generated ammonia gas can readily be extracted for disposal or reuse. Such a system can involve electrolysis cells of numerous types as described herein.
US08313645B2
The invention relates to a filter device comprising at least one filter chamber (7) configured between a chamber side (5) and a membrane side (6) of two parallel filter plates (1) and divided through two filter cloths (4), the membrane sides (6) of the two filter plates (1) each comprising a membrane (3), an outlet (8), and a deviation element (12) attached to the outlet (8) and penetrating the membrane (3). When the filter device is closed, a suspension containing a solid substance can be inducted between the filter cloths (4) in such a way that a filtrate penetrates the filter cloths (4) on the chamber side (5) and on the membrane side (6), while the solid substance is deposited in a filter cake on the filter cloths (4). The filtrate flows initially substantially parallel to the filter cloth (4) towards the outlet (8), is deviated through the deviation element (12) in an outlet direction (9) perpendicular to the filter cloth (4), and flows out through the outlet (8). When the filter device is open, the filter plates (1) are at a distance from each other, so that the filter cloths (4) with the filter cake can be removed from the filter chamber (7). In order to avoid loss of tightness of the filter device, a sealing edge (16) of the deviation element (12) is flush with the membrane in a sealing manner.
US08313641B2
The service life and deactivation rate of a reforming catalyst is improved through use of a new sulfur guard bed containing a chloride additive. This sulfur guard bed, which contains supported CuO material having an increased resistance to reduction, shows such improvement. Thus, the danger of run-away reduction followed by a massive release of water causing process upsets in a catalytic reforming process is practically eliminated. The fact that the guard bed material preserves the active metal phase—copper in an active (oxide) form is an important advantage leading to very low sulfur content in the product stream. The sulfur capacity per unit weight of sorbent is also significantly increased, making this sorbent a superior cost effective sulfur guard product.
US08313639B2
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
US08313638B2
The invention relates to a method and a collection for the electrochemical detection of target nucleic acid sequences. According to the method, a biological sample that may contain a nucleic acid is provided, said nucleic acid being capable of containing a target sequence, said biological sample being mixed with an oxidizing agent, said target sequence comprising at least one nucleotide base that can be oxidized by said oxidizing agent; complementary means capable of coupling with said target sequence are provided; according to the invention, said complementary means comprise activatable amplification means suitable for replicating said target sequence, said amplification means comprising at least nucleotides which include said nucleotide base, wherein said nucleotides are able to be consumed during replication so as to constitute replicated nucleic acids; and the presence of said target sequence is determined by applying an electric field to said sample and recording the decrease in the electric current.
US08313637B2
A wear of an electrode is prevented as much as possible, thereby efficiently electrolyzing a sulfuric acid solution and the like. An electrolysis method includes: passing an electrolytic solution through an electrolysis cell including at least a pair of an anode and a cathode; and supplying the electrodes with an electric power, so as to electrolyze the electrolytic solution, wherein a viscosity of the electrolytic solution is set in a range in response to a current density upon the electric power supply to carry out the electrolysis. The viscosity of a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolytic solution is equal to or less than 10 cP when the current density is equal to or less than 50 A/dm2, the viscosity of the sulfuric acid solution is equal to or less than 8 cP when the current density is from more than 50 to 75 A/dm2, and the viscosity of the sulfuric acid solution is equal to or less than 6 cP when the current density is from more than 75 to 100 A/dm2. Particularly when a highly-concentrated sulfuric acid solution is electrolyzed at a high current density using diamond electrodes, the electrolysis process can be carried out highly efficiently while a wear of the electrode is reduced.
US08313626B2
The conventional micropump and the conventional micromixer have the following problems. In a mechanical or hydrodynamic method, the structure of the inside of a flow path is complex so as to easily cause clogging, and manufacturing cost is high, and dead volume is large. Additionally, in an electrical method, the conventional micropump or the conventional micromixer was incapable of operating with a liquid having the concentration of a physiological saline that is important in the medical or biological field although the structure of the flow path is simple. These problems are solved by applying an AC voltage to a pair of electrodes in which an electrode-to-electrode gap between the pair of electrodes is vertically arranged and by generating the flow of a fluid in the direction opposite to gravity along the electrode-to-electrode gap. A micropump (43, 44) can be realized especially by forming a micro-sized flow path (11) in the vertical direction along the electrode-to-electrode gap, and a micromixer (41) can be realized by forming a micro-sized flow path (11) in the horizontal direction to cross at right angle to the electrode-to-electrode gap.
US08313624B2
An inert anode material for use in electrolytic processes comprises calcium ruthenate. [Note that the nominal formula for this compound is CaRuO3, although different stoichiometries may apply in practice].
US08313620B2
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for making a coated article including a transparent conductive indium-tin-oxide (ITO) film supported by a heat treated glass substrate. A substantially sub-oxidized ITO or metallic indium-tin (InSn) film is sputter-deposited onto a glass substrate at room temperature. The glass substrate with the as-deposited film thereon is subjected to elevated temperatures. Thermal tempering or heat strengthening causes the as-deposited film to be transformed into a crystalline transparent conductive ITO film. Advantageously, this may reduce the cost of touch panel assemblies, e.g., because of the higher rates of the ITO deposition in the metallic mode. The cost of touch-panel assemblies may be further reduced through the use of float glass.
US08313617B2
The present disclosure is directed toward a papermaking belt having a patterned framework having a continuous network region and a plurality of discrete deflection conduits isolated from one another by the continuous network region. The continuous network region has a pattern formed therein by a plurality of tessellating unit cells. Each cell has a center and at least two continuous land areas extending in at least two directions from the center. At least one of the continuous land areas at least bifurcates to form a continuous land area portion having a first width before bifurcation and at least two continuous land area portions having a second width after bifurcation where the at least two continuous land area portions are disposed at an angle ranging from about 1 degree to about 180 degrees relative to each other.
US08313615B2
This device for applying a moistening liquid to a paper web includes a liquid applicator roller (44, 46) for applying the moistening liquid (38) on the paper web (18). The liquid applicator roller includes an application surface (60), and is characterized in that the application surface (60) is formed of a material capable of creating a corona effect on the paper web by discharge of static electricity between the surface and the paper web (18). Application to paper web dryers of rotary offset presses.
US08313612B2
Provided is a substrate dechucking system of a plasma processing chamber adapted to remove a substrate from an ESC with reduction in voltage potential spike during dechucking of the substrate.
US08313611B2
A gas switching system for a gas distribution system for supplying different gas compositions to a chamber, such as a plasma processing chamber of a plasma processing apparatus, is provided. The chamber can include multiple zones, and the gas switching section can supply different gases to the multiple zones. The switching section can switch the flows of one or more gases, such that one gas can be supplied to the chamber while another gas can be supplied to a by-pass line, and then switch the gas flows.
US08313606B2
The present invention aims to provide a method for bonding protective tapes to the cut edges of an electrode plate within a short period to prevent short circuit in an electrode assembly. An electrode plate cutting & tape bonding process includes (1) cutting an electrode plate into pieces 100a and 100b, (2) forming a gap W between edges 106 and 107 of the pieces 100a and 100b, (3) bonding protective tapes 51 and 52 to both sides of the pieces 100a and 100b, covering the edges and the gap, and (4) conveying the pieces 100a and 100b connected together. Next, the tapes 51 and 52 are cut into pieces 51a & 52a and 51b & 52b. Then, the electrode plate piece 100a with the tape pieces 51a & 52a and 51b & 52b is wound together with a negative electrode plate, with a separator sandwiched therebetween.
US08313597B2
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a novel and cost effective application of a thermoplastic heat-welding rod for welding thermoplastic standing seam profiles and other similar materials to thermoplastic roofing membrane, and providing secure attachment without roof penetration and profile/membrane separation. In addition, embodiments disclosed herein provide a welding attachment or apparatus for performing such heat-welding of thermoplastic materials. In one embodiment, an apparatus for welding a thermoplastic profile strip to a thermoplastic membrane may comprise a first nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a first longitudinal edge of a horizontal base of a thermoplastic profile strip placed on a thermoplastic membrane. Also, such an apparatus may comprise a second nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a second, opposing longitudinal edge of the thermoplastic profile strip. Furthermore, the apparatus may also comprise a tubular splitter configured to simultaneously supply hot air to the first nozzle and the second nozzle.
US08313595B2
A tank (1) for storing fluid under high pressure, of cylindrical overall shape and round cross section comprising at each of its ends along its axis (2), a metal end piece (3, 4), a liner (6) enveloping the said end pieces, and a structural layer (7) of fiber impregnated with thermosetting resin enveloping the said liner.
US08313591B2
An austenitic heat resistant alloy, which contains, by mass percent, C≦0.15%, Si≦2%, Mn≦3%, Ni: 40 to 80%, Cr: 15 to 40%, W and Mo: 1 to 15% in total content, Ti≦3%, Al≦3%, N≦0.03%, O≦0.03%, with the balance being Fe and impurities, and among the impurities P≦0.04%, S≦0.03%, Sn≦0.1%, As≦0.01%, Zn≦0.01%, Pb≦0.01% and Sb≦0.01%, and satisfies the conditions [P1=S+{(P+Sn)/2}+{(As+Zn+Pb+Sb)/5}≦0.050], [0.2≦P2=Ti+2Al≦7.5−10×P1], [P2≦9.0−100×O] and [N≦0.002×P2+0.019] can prevent both the liquation crack in the HAZ and the brittle crack in the HAZ and also can prevent defects due to welding fabricability, which occur during welding fabrication, and moreover has excellent creep strength at high temperatures. Therefore, the alloy can be used suitably as a material for constructing high temperature machines and equipment, such as power generating boilers, plants for the chemical industry and so on. The ally may contain a specific amount or amounts of one or more elements selected from Co, B, Ta, Hf, Nb, Zr, Ca, Mg, Y, La, Ce and Nd.
US08313590B2
An aluminium extrusion having a minimum section thickness and made from an aluminium alloy includes, in weight percent, between approximately 1.0 and 1.7 manganese, and between approximately 0.5 and 1.1 silicon, less than 0.3 iron with the balance being Al and inevitable impurities each less than 0.05 weight % and totaling less than 0.15 weight %, the extrusion being formed with an extrusion ratio less than 125 to retain a fibrous grain structure in which less than 40% of the minimum section thickness is recrystallized.
US08313588B2
An amorphous magnetic alloy is presented. The alloy has the general formula: (Fe1-xCox)nMoaPbBcCdSie, wherein n is the atomic percent of iron and cobalt; x is the fraction of n; a, b, c, d and e are the atomic percent of molybdenum, phosphorous, boron, carbon and silicon respectively and n, x, a, b, c, d and e are defined by following relationship: 76≦n≦85; 0.05
US08313585B2
A method for diffusing titanium and nitride into a sports equipment component. The method generally includes the steps of providing a sports equipment component providing a salt bath which includes sodium dioxide and a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium cyanate and potassium cyanate; dispersing metallic titanium formed by electrolysis of a titanium compound in the bath, heating the salt bath to a temperature ranging from about 430° C. to about 670° C.; and soaking the sports equipment component in the salt bath for a time of from about 10 minutes to about 24 hours. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the sports equipment component may further be treated with conventional surface treatments or coatings.
US08313583B2
A dishwasher includes a door assembly that has an outer door panel with a vent. At the end of a wash cycle, the outer door panel tips outwardly to expose the vent. Steam is evacuated from the dishwasher through the vent via a duct extending through the door assembly.
US08313576B2
A method of preparing a pigment includes the steps of: a) providing a mixture including: a pigment selected from the group of pigments including at least 50 wt % of C.I. Pigment Violet 23, C.I. Pigment Red 146, C.I. Pigment Red 176, C.I. Pigment Red 177, C.I. Pigment Violet 19 and C.I. Pigment Orange 13 based on the total weight of the pigment; alkyl nitrile; and at least one acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and chlorosulfuric acid, with the acid present in the mixture in amount of more than 2 wt % based on the total weight of the pigment; b) heating the mixture for more than 2 hours to a temperature of at least 70° C.; and c) filtering the mixture and washing the filtrand with a washing liquid containing water until the filtrate has a pH between 4 and 7. Pigments obtainable by the method and non aqueous pigment dispersions are also disclosed.
US08313572B2
This invention provides a metallic pigment, which can prepare a printed matter having metallic luster, can realize stable printing even in a printer with ink jet nozzles having a nozzle diameter of not more than 30 μm, can eliminate the need to carry out heat treatment and the like, and, thus, can realize ink jet recording without undergoing a limitation on printing media (recording media), an ink composition, and an ink jet recording method. The metallic pigment is a metal foil piece having an average thickness of 30 to 100 μm, having a 50% average particle diameter of not less than 0.5 μm and not more than 4.0 μm, and having such a particle size distribution that the maximum particle diameter is not more than 12 μm. An ink composition containing this metallic pigment and an ink jet head having a nozzle diameter of not more than 30 μm are provided, and the ratio between the average particle diameter of the metallic pigment and the nozzle diameter of the ink jet head (average particle diameter/nozzle diameter) is preferably brought to not more than 0.15.
US08313571B2
The present invention is directed to a printable composition, comprising: 0.5 to 60 wt % of a polymer selected from the group consisting of epoxy, Novolac and poly(dimethylglutarimide); and 40-99.5 wt % of a solvent composition comprising (1) a high boiling point solvent having a flash point greater than about 10° C. and a boiling point greater than about 130° C. and (2) a low boiling point solvent having a flash point less than 30° C. and a boiling point less than or equal to 130° C., all weight percents based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to methods of forming patterned substrates using the above compositions. The compositions of the invention are useful for printing electronic materials onto a substrate using a piezo-electric printer.
US08313559B2
A porous metal organic framework containing an at least bidentate organic compound coordinated to a metal ion, wherein the metal ion is AlIII and the at least bidentate organic compound is 2-aminoterephthalic acid, and wherein the framework is in powder form and has a specific surface area determined by the Langmuir method (N2, 77 K) of at least 2500 m2/g. In addition, a shaped body containing the metal organic framework, processes for preparing the metal organic framework and shaped body, and processes for storing and separating gases with the metal organic framework and shaped body.
US08313557B2
The present invention is generally directed to a system for recovering CO2 from seawater or aqueous bicarbonate solutions using a gas permeable membrane with multiple layers. At elevated pressures, gaseous CO2 and bound CO2 in the ionic form of bicarbonate and carbonate diffuse from the seawater or bicarbonate solution through the multiple layers of the membrane. Also disclosed is the related method of recovering CO2 from seawater or aqueous bicarbonate solutions.
US08313554B2
A method for the separation of a dispersion of molten aluminium and solid inclusions formed from a melt of aluminium containing one or more foreign chemical elements. Molten aluminium surrounding the solid inclusions is at least essentially replaced by a molten salt.
US08313553B2
A method of making a steel with low carbon less than 0.035% by weight including steps of preparing a heat of molten steel composition in a steelmaking furnace to a tapping temperature as desired for desulfurization at a VTD, tapping open into a ladle the molten steel composition with an oxygen level between about 600 and 1120 ppm, providing slag forming compound to the ladle to form a slag cover over the molten steel composition in the ladle, transporting the molten steel composition in the ladle to a VTD, decarburizing the molten steel composition at the VTD by drawing a vacuum of less than 650 millibars, after decarburizing, adding one or more deoxidizers to the molten steel composition and deoxidizing the molten steel composition, after deoxidizing, adding one or more flux compounds to desulfurize the molten steel composition, and casting the molten steel composition to form a steel with low carbon less than 0.035% by weight.
US08313534B1
An artificial knee joint includes a four-bar linkage, an extension bar having a first end pivotally connected to the four-bar linkage, and a restoring device connected to a bottom of the four-bar linkage and comprising a transmission rod having a first end pivotally connected to and retractably moving a second end of the extension bar. The four-bar linkage includes a first, second, third, and fourth connecting bar, any two adjacent connecting bars of which are connected together by their respective pivot axles. When the four-bar linkage is moved to a locked state, a specific included angle is defined between any two adjacent straight lines joining adjacent pivot axles of the four-bar linkage. While walking, an artificial leg of an artificial limb using the artificial knee joint does not produce unexpected wobbles in the swing phase, and the artificial limb can provide enough support in the stance phase.
US08313523B2
Implantable medical grafts fabricated of metallic or pseudometallic films of biocompatible materials having a plurality of microperforations passing through the film in a pattern that imparts fabric-like qualities to the graft or permits the geometric deformation of the graft. The implantable graft is preferably fabricated by vacuum deposition of metallic and/or pseudometallic materials into either single or multi-layered structures with the plurality of microperforations either being formed during deposition or after deposition by selective removal of sections of the deposited film. The implantable medical grafts are suitable for use as endoluminal or surgical grafts and may be used as vascular grafts, stent-grafts, skin grafts, shunts, bone grafts, surgical patches, non-vascular conduits, valvular leaflets, filters, occlusion membranes, artificial sphincters, tendons and ligaments.
US08313518B2
A light therapy appliance comprises an electronic circuit including Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light at one or more different wavelengths. A hand held enclosure containing the electronic circuit includes a front lens that directs the multiple different colored lights to a top surface of skin. The light therapy appliance can be programmed for different skin conditions and may be used in conjunction with different topical ointments.
US08313512B2
An S-shaped interspinous spacer having a pair of hooks that, upon lateral insertion between opposed spinous process, bear upon the opposed spinous processes.
US08313509B2
A suturing system for receiving and retaining a suture is disclosed and includes a suture, at least one retainer, and at least one needle. Each needle is able to receive and removably retain the suture within a groove located in a tapered end. The retainer has a body that defines an aperture therethrough. The shape of the aperture is formed by a central passageway, and a pair of diametrically opposed slots extending radially outward from the central passageway. The central passageway is sized to allow passage of the needle therethrough. Each slot defines a tortured path section that permits passage of the suture in a first direction and inhibits passage of the suture in a second direction.
US08313505B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for treating abnormalities. For example, a device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of planes of occlusion, at least one plane of occlusion comprising a plurality of layers of occlusive material. The device is configured to at least partially occlude an abnormality.
US08313501B2
A surgical cutting instrument for cutting tissue includes an outer cannula with a cutting opening and a cutting member within the cannula. The cutting member is connected to a source of reciprocation, and as the cutting member reciprocates the cutting member head is guided by a sloped member within the cannula to essentially a zero clearance position relative to a cutting edge of the cutting opening of the cannula. The instrument cleanly severs tissue extending through the cutting opening into the outer cannula.
US08313492B2
A drill guide assembly having an elongated body is configured with a first and second arm members extending from the elongated body. The second arm member is configured and adapted to be longitudinally movable along the elongated body towards and away from the first arm member for reducing fractured bones for repair. A guide housing provided on the second arm member is fitted with a removable sleeve. The removable sleeve is provided with a longitudinal bore for guiding a guide wire or a drill bit for drilling into the bones.
US08313490B2
A system for preparing a surface of an anatomical structure, such as a bone or cartilage, for example, to receive an orthopaedic implant. The system includes a surgical instrument for preparing the surface and a guide engageable with a follower of the surgical instrument. The guide includes a track or path configured to guide the follower and prepare a desired surface on the anatomical structure. The guide facilitates guidance of the surgical instrument in two dimensions.
US08313483B2
Provided is an operating tool for organism, in particular, a microwave endoscope forceps. In terms of the operating tool for organism, provided is a multifunctional operating tool which has holding and scissors functions simultaneously, and may further perform coagulation (tissue fixation) by microwaves. The operating tool has no definite fulcrum, and has both the holding and scissors functions with a simple structure by deforming a long-track rod called beam. Two blades are insulated from each other so as to allow microwave current supply. With this structure, an operating tool having three functions, i.e., “a holding function”, “a coagulating function”, and “a cutting function” with a single tool may be developed.
US08313479B2
The invention involves a device and a procedure for refractive laser surgery on a target object. With the aid of a laser beam source, an fs-impulse laser beam is generated. A second laser beam source generates a UV laser beam. A shared scanner device utilises the fs-impulse laser beam and the UV laser beam for the scanning of the target object.
US08313471B2
A therapeutic glove of elastic synthetic fabric to which gold-coated self-expanding ring devices are affixed at selective locations adjacent the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the fingers of the hand without restricting movement of those joints. The affixing of rings on the interior of the glove along the MCP joints induces optimal gold abrasion therapy of joints that are afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis. The high purity gold-coating on the rings, combined with the snugness of the glove, increases the natural abrasion and absorption of the gold into the joint, which has the therapeutic effect of delaying joint erosion with daily wear.
US08313467B2
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.
US08313466B2
An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container and an actuator. The actuator includes a release member and an energy storage member having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the energy storage member has a first potential energy. In the second position the energy storage member has a second potential energy. The energy storage member is configured to convert a portion of the first potential energy into kinetic energy when moved from the first position to the second position to move the medicament container within the housing. The energy storage member has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container. The release member is configured to selectively deploy the energy storage member from its first position to its second position.
US08313461B2
A kit of parts comprises a system and instructions for use for controlling patient temperature which uses a central venous line catheter having a heat exchange element. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange element. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop iii which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.
US08313460B2
Devices, systems and methods for controlling fluid temperatures from more than one fluid containers prior to their infusion into a human body are disclosed. The device includes a power supply source for providing power; an input/output interface for receiving fluid temperature data from thermal sensors and for transmitting duty-cycle signals to each of the fluid warming unit; a processing unit for comparing fluid temperature data with a permissible fluid temperature range, for calculating a fluid temperature differential, and for apportioning the available work cycle of the power supply source; and a controller for adjusting the duty-cycle of each fluid warming unit based on the fluid temperature differentials, so that during each work cycle all available power provided by the power supply source is delivered to only one of the fluid warming units at a time.
US08313452B2
A method of assisting in regenerating a patient's liver includes fluidly coupling a first end of a conduit with a first blood vessel of the patient that carries oxygenated blood. A second end of the conduit is fluidly coupled with a second blood vessel of the patient that carries blood to the patient's liver. Oxygenated blood is allowed to flow from the first blood vessel, through the conduit and to the liver via the second blood vessel of the patient.
US08313450B2
A disposable sleeve for compression therapy, with at least one inflatable air cell defined between a first airtight wall adjacent a patient's body to be treated and a second airtight wall. Each of the first and second walls includes an external porous layer and an internal layer including air-tight polyethylene (PE). The walls are bonded by molten portions of the PE internal layer penetrating and set in their corresponding external porous layers and welded to each other, the bonding enduring at least 250 inflation-deflation cycles associated with the therapy.
US08313447B2
A uterine activity monitoring device and method for monitoring uterine activity on a nearly continuous basis. The device may comprise a belt configured to fit around a pregnant patient's abdomen, with a plurality of, uterine contraction sensors. These sensors may be protruding contraction sensing buttons, disposed generally perpendicular to the patient's skin. In order to avoid signal distortions caused by patient movement, the belt will often have at least one ambient motion sensor configured to monitor non-uterine contraction movements and produce background movement signals. These ambient motion sensors may be accelerometers and stretch or pressure disposed generally parallel to the patient's skin. The device will have an onboard processor communicate wirelessly with a variety of external monitoring and management systems, such as wrist worn monitors, cell phones, and remote patient management websites.
US08313433B2
Systems and processes for managing data relating to one or more medical or biological conditions of a plurality of subjects (such as patients) over a wide area network, such as the Internet, may be employed for diabetes subjects or subjects with other medical conditions requiring monitoring and/or treatment over time. Such systems and processes provide various functions for several types of users, including patients or subject-users, healthcare provider-users and payor entity-users and combinations thereof, which allow for improved treatment and medical data management of individual subjects and groups of subjects and which allow collection and analysis of aggregate data from many subject sources, for improving overall healthcare practices of providers and subjects (e.g., patients).
US08313427B2
An endoscope of the present invention includes a distal end main body portion provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, a disposing hole having a first space and a second space that is formed in the distal end main body portion, and an objective lens. The endoscope also includes an image pickup unit that is provided inside disposing hole such that objective lens faces a second opening and that has a shape formed along a part of first space and second space. Image pickup unit is fixed inside disposing hole by a screw that is inserted into distal end main body portion through a screw hole formed in distal end main body portion at an intersecting region between first space and second space.
US08313426B2
A fluorescence distribution image of each fluorescent agent can be acquired from a fluorescence image that has been captured in a mixed state so as to improve the diagnosability of cancer cells. An endoscope system comprises: a light source section for selectively irradiating two or more types of excitation lights having different spectral characteristics so as to excite two or more types of fluorescent agents having different optical characteristics; an imaging section provided on a part to be inserted into a body cavity, and having a light-receiving sensitivity in the wavelength bands of the two or more types of fluorescence radiated from the observation target by respective types of excitation lights; a storage section for storing relation information between the fluorescence intensity and the concentration of each of the fluorescent agents; a concentration information computing section for computing concentration information of each of the fluorescent agents on the basis of the fluorescence intensities of two or more images captured by the imaging section and the relation information stored in the storage section, and outputting the concentration information; and a mode switching section capable of switching between a first fluorescence observation mode in which at least one of the fluorescence intensity images acquired by the imaging section is presented, and a second fluorescence observation mode in which the concentration information of each of the florescent agents computed by the concentration information computing section is presented.
US08313423B2
An anal incontinence treatment apparatus and method includes and uses an adjustable restriction device implanted in a patient, who suffers from anal incontinence. The restriction device engages the rectum of the patient to restrict the fecal passageway. An adjustment device is adapted to adjust the restriction device such that the rectum is temporarily released, in order to open the fecal passageway when the patient wishes to achieve defaecation.
US08313420B2
A system for assisting in the performance of passive stretches includes a stretching device and a control mechanism. The stretching device includes an inflatable component. The control mechanism enables a user to control the degree of inflation of the inflatable component. The stretching device may optionally include one or more user contact surfaces attached to an outer layer or formed within an outer layer. The system may also include a support for supporting the stretching device at a particular height. The support may compressively hold the stretching device at the particular height when the inflatable component is inflated.
US08313409B2
A gear train of an automatic transmission for vehicles has advantages of improving power delivery performance and reducing fuel consumption as a consequence of realizing eight forward speeds and one reverse speed by combining two simple planetary gear sets and one compound planetary gear set with two clutches and four brakes.
US08313408B1
A variable speed transaxle is disposed in a transaxle housing and drives a pair of axles extending horizontally from opposite sides of the housing. An external mounting surface is formed on the housing to mount a prime mover thereon. A power take-off assembly may be engaged to and driven by the prime mover output shaft and disposed at least partially in the transaxle housing. A power take-off shaft powered by the prime mover extends horizontally from the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axles. A pair of clutch assemblies using a plurality of gears may be engaged to the axle shafts to selectively engage and drive each axle shaft.
US08313406B2
A dual clutch transmission 17 for an automotive vehicle is provided, including a dual clutch assembly 216 for selective torsional connection with geared first and second shafts 214, 218 rotatable about a first axis. A third geared shaft 230 having at least one gear 226 for meshed engagement with at least one gear 210 of said first and second geared shafts. A plurality of synchronizers 228, 232 for selectively determining torsional transfer between at least one of said first and second geared shafts 214, 218 and said third shaft 230. At least one synchronized gear 226 can be acted upon by a first synchronizer 228 for direct connection to one of said shafts 230 and said one synchronized gear 226 can be connected to one of said shafts 230 by a planetary gear set 234, 236, 237 to provide a second gear ratio for said transmission 17.
US08313395B2
The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next.
US08313393B1
Devices, apparatus, and methods of storing and releasing a ball marker from the bottom of a head of the golf club, such as a putter. A compartment in the bottom of the golf club head has a side opening adjacent to the rear of the golf club head for allowing a disc shaped ball marker to be slid into the compartment, and sliding the marker in reverse allows the marker to be slid out of and removed from the compartment. A magnet can also be used. Also, the compartment can have grooved side walls that act as tracks to allow the marker to be slid into and out of the compartment. A removable top disc and front plate on the golf club head allows for advertising indicia and logos to be placed on the head of the golf club.
US08313388B2
The present invention relates to an amusement device which comprises a rotating body formed in a disk shape and provided horizontally rotatably, and an upper member disposed at the upper position located at a certain distance from the upper surface of the rotating body. A strut is vertically arranged in the center portion of the upper surface of the rotating body. A plurality of poles are formed in a straight line and disposed with its axis directed in the up-and-down direction. The lower ends of the plurality of poles are fixed on the upper surface of the rotating body, and the upper ends of the plurality of poles are fixed on the lower surface of the upper member. A support mechanism supports the rotating body. A rotation drive mechanism rotates the rotating body horizontally. An air cushion is provided to cover the upper surface of the rotating body.
US08313380B2
One embodiment provides a method for use in providing input to a system that includes the steps of determining position information for a controller for the system, comparing the determined position information for the controller with predetermined position information associated with commands, and providing a command to the system if the determined position information matches predetermined position information for the command.
US08313378B1
A yoga ball controller communicates motion signals to a game console and a video game executing on the game console to progress play of a game in response to the motion signals. An individual positions himself on the yoga ball and begins to move his body. The controller detects the motion of the individual and communicates signals to the console. The game console recognizes the motion and advances the game play. Motion may be detected using various devices such as a stress ball, a motion sensing mat, and a controller attached to the yoga ball using a harness. The video game may be a well-known, entertaining video game such as one involving car racing, combat, exploration, or puzzle solving. By using a subject other than exercise, game play may be seen as more fun by participants thereby encouraging physical activity.
US08313377B2
Methods, systems, and computer programs for playing browser based game with alternative controls and interfaces are presented. In one method, a definition of native inputs defined for the game is received. The native inputs are originated in a native device and are capable of causing actions in the game. Further, the method detects an alternate device that does not have all the native inputs. The native inputs are mapped from the native device to alternate inputs from the alternate device. The inputs generated with the alternate device are translated to corresponding native inputs according to the mapping and causing the corresponding actions in the game. In another method, a game area inside a web page is identified for playing the game. The game area is expanded by increasing the size of the game area while decreasing the size of other elements in the web page.
US08313374B2
The present invention includes a gaming machine with a first control module that includes a main processor for randomly selecting one of a plurality of outcomes of said gaming machine in response to a wager amount and for sending audio information that controls audio output from the gaming machine. An audio control module is separate and distinct from the first control module, and includes an audio processor that receives the audio information from the main processor. The audio control module is coupled to an audio speaker system for broadcasting the audio output corresponding to the audio information. Also, the first control module may include a memory device that stores operating instructions for the gaming machine, while the audio control module may include an audio memory device for storing audio data sets that the audio processor processes to produce the audio output.
US08313366B2
A card game played on an electronic gaming machine between a game machine/dealer and one or more players. Each player is dealt one card. Three community cards (Flop cards) are dealt and, in succession, compared to each player's card according to the rules of War. A fourth community card (Turn card) is revealed, along with a single dealer card. The player's final hand must outrank the dealer's final hand and achieve at least a preset Poker ranking in order to win a mandatory wager. A second Raise portion of the player's wager is won if the player's card combined with the four community cards form a predetermined poker hand ranking. In a variation of the game method, one Bet the Hole wager is resolved according to the rules of War.
US08313364B2
This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for executing asynchronous game play by a plurality of players in one or more game instances.
US08313363B2
A multi-level single elimination sports tournament with wagering for a field of players divided into groups of generally equal size. Each group competes within itself in a series of play sequences, such as a series of golf holes. Each play sequence comprises at least one competitive play action toward a goal, such as one or more golf strokes toward a hole. The players wager after each play action on their expected results in the current play sequence. Players are eliminated when they can no longer meet a minimum ante on the next play sequence. A round of the tournament is completed when only a single player remains in each group. The survivors are divided into new groups for another round. This continues until a last round that has only one group. A single winner survives, and is awarded most of the pot.
US08313362B2
A self-propelled agricultural combine having a capability for baling crop residue produced by operation of the combine, including chaff from the cleaning system. The combine can also incorporate a dust suppression capability. The crop residue produced by threshing is in a compressed state, and is routed directly to a baler of the combine is essentially a continuous, compressed stream, while still in that state, and the chaff is mixed in before compaction into the bales. The dust suppression apparatus uses air flow of a cleaning system of the combine, to carry the dust and separates the air such that the dust will fall from the combine.
US08313360B2
A rasp bar assembly is disclosed that includes a rasp bar having a plurality of rotation stops that contact the rasp bar mount. The plurality of rotation stops stabilize the rasp bar upon the rasp bar mount and prevent the rasp bar from rotating from its assembled position.
US08313348B2
A lamp cap (100) comprising a base part (101) defining a cavity (102) for receiving a socket (203) of a lamp, the base part (101) having a lateral wall arrangement (103) limiting the cavity (102) and a ring shaped bottom side (104) surrounding an aperture (105); an electrical insulating interface (106) fixed to the bottom side of the base part (104) in such a manner that it covers the aperture (105), a space (102) being defined between the electrical insulating interface (106) and the lateral wall arrangement (103); and an electrical connector assembly (120) extending through the electrical insulating interface (106) to provide an electrical connection between the lamp socket (203) and an electrical power supply. A method of and apparatus for manufacturing a lamp cap is also described.
US08313346B2
A communications cable having a plurality of twisted wire pairs each having a substantially uniform twist rate along the cable. An elongated shielding separator is positioned between the twisted wire pairs and physically separates them from one another. The shielding separator has a plurality of electrically non-conductive separator sections positioned between the twisted wire pairs and a plurality of electrically conductive separator sections arranged in an alternating pattern with the non-conductive separator sections along the shielding separator. Each of the conductive separator sections has one of a predetermined number of section lengths and is arranged along the shielding separator such that the conductive separator sections are substantially aperiodic with the twist rates of the twisted wire pairs. Optionally, the cable includes a continuous or discontinuous outer cable shielding system enclosing the discontinuous shielding separator and the plurality of twisted wire pairs.
US08313345B2
A coaxial cable continuity connector comprising a connector body, a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange having a tapered surface, a nut, wherein the nut includes an internal lip having a tapered surface, wherein the tapered surface of the nut oppositely corresponds to the tapered surface of the post when the nut and post are operably axially located with respect to each other when the coaxial cable continuity connector is assembled, and a continuity member disposed between and contacting the tapered surface of the post and the tapered surface of the nut, so that the continuity member endures a moment resulting from the contact forces of the opposite tapered surfaces, when the continuity connector is assembled, is provided.
US08313339B2
The invention relates to connection means including a female connector (2) and a male connector (1).The female connector (2) includes: a case (23) including walls (9b, 10b, 11b, 12b) delimiting a cavity for receiving (4) a male connector (1); and contact fingers (24) extending along at least one of said walls (10b, 11b) and intended to cooperate with the matching contacts (15) of the male connector (1); isolation partitions (27) made of a dielectric material protruding from the wall or walls (10b, 11b) towards the inside of the cavity (4) and positioned between the contact fingers (24). The invention also relates to a male connector (1) intended to be introduced into the cavity of said female connector (2).In addition, the invention also relates to a medical system of acquisition of electric signals provided with such a connection device.
US08313333B2
An electrical connector. An electrical connector a pair of cylindrical housings, one having a plurality of torsion bar conductors and a second having a plurality of ramps. Rotating the pair of housings relative to one another causes an angled tip on the torsion bar to rotate as it moves up the ramp. A land is provided to discontinue further rotation of the torsion bar tip as the housings continue to rotate.
US08313328B2
A periodontal structure regeneration composition for treatment of periodontal disease is a mixture of particles of a bone growth material and free collagen. All particles are sized to be less than 1 mm in diameter. The periodontal regeneration composition is injected into the periodontal pocket through an 18 gauge needle. The composition may contain a thickener that increases the viscosity of the composition after the material has been injected into the periodontal pocket. The composition is available in pre-filled syringes offered in a kit that may also contain strips of surgical sponge or gauze that are sized to fit within a periodontal pocket, a tube of adhesive, a dental bur, a probe, a gauze placement tool, gauze counter and a brush for cleaning the dental bur.
US08313325B2
The present invention provides an ignition switch, which includes a switch member, a closed device, a knob, an electromagnetic valve, and a driving device. The switch member has a receiving chamber to receive the driving device therein. The driving device connects the knob and the electromagnetic valve such that the electromagnetic valve is operated by manipulation of the knob.
US08313321B2
A mold assembly for manufacturing concrete blocks in an automated dry-cast block machine. The mold assembly includes a plurality of liner plates which together form a mold cavity, wherein at least one of the liner plates includes an internal network of shafts which is configured to receive and provide a flow path for heated fluid to pass through to heat the at least one liner plate.
US08313320B2
A micro-lens array fabrication apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller, a molding member, and a cooling member. The first roller and the second roller revolve cooperatively to position portions of a substrate on the molding member while maintaining a tension on the substrate. The molding member includes a shaft and two caps connected to opposites ends of the shaft. The shaft defines a through hole and rows of molding holes in a lateral surface thereof, and forms heaters in the though hole. The heaters heat up the substrate till molten, and the air is driven to blow the molten substrate into the molding holes and form a row of micro-lens structures on the currently positioned portion of the substrate.
US08313308B2
A medical pump with a closed loop stroke feedback system and method, for use with a pumping chamber, for example in a cassette, is disclosed. The pump includes a pumping element that intermittently pressurizes a pumping chamber during a pumping cycle. A pressure sensor detects the pressure exerted by the pumping element on the pumping chamber. A position sensor detects the position of the pumping element. A processing unit processes pressure data from the pressure sensor and position data from the position sensor to determine a calculated stroke volume of the pump for a pump cycle, and to adjust a stroke frequency of the pump to compensate for variation in the stroke volume.
US08313306B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) with a controller for a pump including a motor. The method can include measuring an actual power consumption of the motor necessary to pump water and overcome losses. The method can include triggering the SVRS when a dynamic suction blockage is identified in order to shut down the pump substantially immediately. The SVRS can also be triggered when a dead head condition is identified based on the actual power consumption.
US08313304B2
A water pump assembly for an internal combustion engine including a housing, as well as first and second rotatable shafts supported by the housing. First and second pulleys are fixed for rotation with the first and second shafts, respectively. A pumping member is fixed for rotation with the second shaft. A flexible member engages the first and second pulleys and is sized to slip relative to one of the first and second pulleys when in an unloaded state. A control mechanism selectively applies a load to the flexible member to cease the slipping and drivingly interconnect the first and second pulleys to rotate the pumping member.
US08313297B2
The invention is related to a rotor shaft for a wind energy plant, wherein the rotor shaft is at least partially hollow, comprising a line pipe, extending in the interior of the rotating rotor shaft and being stationary and accommodating electric lines, a transmission device, arranged at least partially in the rotor shaft, for the electric connection between a stationary nacelle and a rotating rotor of the wind energy plant, wherein the transmission device features a first body, stationary and connected to the line pipe, and a second body rotating with the rotor shaft, and wherein there is an electric sliding contact between the first and the second body, a casing surrounding the transmission device and formed separately from the second body, which is connected to the rotor shaft and/or adapted to be connected to a rotor hub of the wind energy plant, and which rotates with the rotor shaft, and a torque transmitting connection between the casing and the second body of the transmission device.
US08313288B2
A thermal barrier includes a thermal barrier member having at least one material selected from a metal foam or a ceramic foam. The thermal barrier member includes an attachment section for securing the thermal barrier member with a corresponding attachment section of a support.
US08313285B2
An example turbofan engine sound control system includes a core nacelle (12) housing a compressor and a turbine. The core nacelle is disposed within a fan nacelle (34). The fan nacelle includes a turbofan. A bypass flow path downstream from the turbofan is arranged between the two nacelles. A controller (50) is programmed to manipulate the nozzle exit area to control sound propagating from the engine. In one example, the controller manipulates the nozzle exit area using hinged flaps (42) to control engine sound. The hinged flaps open and close to adjust the nozzle exit area and the associated bypass flow rate.
US08313276B2
For the automatic production of book covers for individual books with different format sizes, the data of the book to be bound are acquired and cataloged using software, the book covers are cut to the desired format, covering materials adapted to the format are applied to the book cover, the corners are folded, the endpapers are applied to the book covers and the text block and book cover are joined together, precisely positioned.
US08313268B2
A method for the filling and optionally emptying transport containers with plastics granular materials is disclosed. A flexible plastics inliner is inserted into a transport container. A front side of the inliner includes at least one receiving flexible hose connection for filling the inliner with plastics granular material, at least one discharge hose connection for discharging blown in conveying air from the inliner, and at least one emptying hose connection for emptying plastics granular material from the inliner. The front side of the inliner also includes a protective liner. The cabin and the transport container are positioned at a decanting station, the cabin being adapted to transfer plastics granular material from the decanting station and decant the transferred plastics granular material into the transport container through the receiving hose connection. The transport container is then filled with plastics granular material utilizing the cabin.
US08313258B2
A thermal printer includes a first thermal head, a first platen roller, first biasing means, a second thermal head, a second platen roller, and second biasing means. The first thermal head, the first platen roller, the first biasing means are in contact with a heat-sensitive layer of thermal recording paper. The second thermal head, the second platen roller, and the second biasing means are in contact with a heat-sensitive layer of the thermal recording paper. The second thermal head is arranged on the upstream side of the first thermal head in a paper feed direction. A paper feed speed of the first platen roller to the thermal recording paper is larger than a paper feed speed of the second platen roller. The first platen roller is in contact with the thermal recording paper while being more slippery compared with the second platen roller.
US08313256B2
A focal plane shutter includes: an electromagnet; a board including an opening; a blade movable between a position where the blade recedes from the opening and a position where the blade covers at least part of the opening; and a drive lever driving the blade, and including: a spindle portion provided at its one end with a flange portion; an iron piece provided at the other end of the spindle portion and capable of being adsorbed to the electromagnet; a support portion including a through hole through which the spindle portion penetrates with a play; and a guide portion provided along the iron piece.
US08313254B2
An image pickup apparatus includes a light-beam splitting mirror configured to transmit and reflect incident light that has entered the light-beam splitting mirror through a photographing optical system; an image sensor that receives light transmitted through the light-beam splitting mirror; an autofocus detecting unit that receives light reflected by the light-beam splitting mirror; a signal processing unit configured to process an image pickup signal of the image sensor; and a display unit configured to display an image being photographed, on the basis of an image signal obtained at the signal processing unit. In the image pickup apparatus, the light-beam splitting mirror has spectral characteristics including a reflectivity of 25% or more and 35% or less at a wavelength of 400 to 650 nm and a reflectivity of 60% or more at a wavelength of about 700 nm through optimization.
US08313253B2
A ball-and-socket type head (1) for optical and video-photographic equipment comprises: a sphere portion (6) on which is fixed an attachment plate (7) for the optical or video-photographic equipment, a main body (2) in which is defined a seat (5) in which the sphere portion is received in engagement for adjustably orienting the attachment plate with respect to the main body, a locking means (20) acting between the sphere portion and the main body in order to lock the sphere portion in a desired position relative to the main body, and arranged within the volume defined by the sphere portion (6) and by the seat (5), and an actuating means (30) for actuating the locking means arranged on said sphere portion.
US08313249B2
A multi-fiber ferrule and optical fibers therein make easier contact with other multi-fiber ferrules and connectors with a small fiber tip radius and a modulus of elasticity. A method for qualifying multi-fiber ferrules (and connectors) is also disclosed.
US08313244B2
In a wheel bearing assembly, the length of an annular protrusion in an axis direction, or the oscillation angle through which the center axis of a calk jig is oscillatingly turned relative to the center axis of a constant-velocity joint outer ring is restricted so that the annular protrusion and the calk jig do not interfere with each other when the constant-velocity joint outer ring is calk-fixed to the calk fixation portion of the wheel hub by radially outwardly bending a tubular protrusion formed on an end surface of the center shaft portion through the oscillating turn of the calk jig after the center shaft portion of the constant-velocity joint outer ring has been fitted to the hollow hole of the wheel hub.
US08313242B2
A sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly for supporting a vehicle wheel rotatably relative to a vehicle body, including an outer member; an inner member; a plurality of rows of rolling elements interposed between the outer and inner member; a strain sensor unit, made up of a strain generating member and a sensor element fitted to the strain generating member for detecting strains induced in the strain generating member, is fitted to one of the outer and inner members, that serves as a stationary member; and a covering member that covers at least the sensor element sealingly, provided on a mounting surface of the strain generating member of the strain sensor unit, on which the sensor element is mounted, the covering member being made of a resin which is over-molded or an elastomer bonded by vulcanization.
US08313241B2
A magnetic encoder is provided which can prevent a magnetized member from being separated from a fixed member to which the magnetized member is fixed under a severe temperature environment. The encoder includes a fixed member which is fixed to a rotating member and a magnetized member which is attached to the fixed member. The magnetized member, which is molded by mixing a magnetic powder in a resin, is bonded to the fixed member with a silicone resin based adhesive, and a thickness of an adhesive layer of the silicone resin based adhesive is 50 μm or more and 100 μm or less.
US08313239B2
A linear guide system which is used for highly precise control of a linear position applicable in display devices, semiconductors, robots, machine tools, and the entire measurement and precision instruments industry, and more specifically, an adjustable preload type linear guide system, wherein a base member and a slide member are slidably connected with each other for linear motion, and a linear motion actuator, such as a ball screw, a hydraulic cylinder, and a linear motor, is disposed between the base member and the slide member, thereby enabling the slide member to move linearly relative to the base member.
US08313235B2
A method for manufacturing a contact temperature sensor to be used at a temperature of use, including a) supplying a carbon fiber; b) heat treating of the fiber at a temperature higher than 800° C. and higher than the temperature of use; c) full layer depositing on the fiber, at a deposition temperature, an electrically insulating ceramic coating layer stable at the temperature of use, the ceramic material chosen among silica (SiO2), zirconia (ZrO2), and alumina (Al2O3); d) heat treating of the fiber, coated with the coating layer, at a temperature higher than the deposition temperature of the coating layer and higher than the temperature of use, or (c′) full layer depositing on the fiber a first coating layer of silicon carbide; d′) full layer depositing the first coating layer a second coating layer of boron nitride; e′) heat treating the fiber thereby obtained at a temperature above the deposition temperatures and the temperature of use of the sensor.
US08313233B2
An electric motor-driven kitchen appliance includes an electric motor having a motor housing and a gear stage having a gear case fastened to the electric motor. A removable reinforcement frame is around the motor housing and gear case. The electric motor-gear stage arrangement can be tested outside of the housing of the kitchen appliance and produced in a cost effective manner, being particularly torsionally rigid due to the removable reinforcement frame, thereby exhibiting an operation reliability.
US08313227B2
A cutting mechanism is mounted to a tub of a dough mixing apparatus including an internal mixing chamber having a rotatable agitator assembly for forming dough. After the dough is formed, the tub is rotated and the cutting mechanism is automatically shifted from a non-cutting position, wherein an elongated blade element of the cutting mechanism is located remote from the agitator assembly so as to not interfere with the dough forming process in the internal mixing chamber, to a cutting position, wherein the elongated blade element is arranged directly adjacent an operational path of mixing elements of the agitator assembly to slice the dough, whereupon the dough readily falls from the agitator assembly for enhanced discharge of the dough from the tub. The cutting mechanism can be integrated into a breaker bar or separately mounted in the tub.
US08313217B2
A device for releasably positioning a cable on a support surface comprises a first housing component and a second housing component. The first housing component is releasably engaged with the second housing component. At least one channel is defined between the first and second housing components for releasably receiving and positioning a cable, wherein the at least one channel has an inlet and an outlet, and the outlet has a dimension that is smaller than a dimension of the inlet.
US08313204B2
The invention provides backlight module comprising a light guiding plate, a flexible substrate, and a light emitting unit. The flexible substrate has a first surface, and the light emitting unit is configured on the first surface. A paint area used for reflecting the light, emitted by the light emitting unit, to the light guiding plate is formed on the first surface near the light emitting unit. Accordingly, the light emitted into the light guiding plate could be prevented from being reflected by the flexible substrate directly and presenting the same color with the flexible substrate.
US08313203B1
A system for diffusing and directing the light from lightweight, portable, photographic light sources that is inflatable, flexible, and lightweight, and has two separate layers of translucent diffusion material (105 and 106) and has sides (102) of an opaque material. The two layers of diffusion material may diffuse the light to different degrees. It can be rapidly mounted to or removed from the light source (118), and is designed in such a way as to be readily fitted with an external light-directing device (120). It can be inflated quickly and it can also deflated and stowed conveniently and rapidly.
US08313201B2
An optical film, is provided, the optical film including: a support; and at least one antiglare layer having a surface that has asperities, wherein the at least one antiglare layer contains at least one kind of light transmitting particles including first light transmitting particles in an amount of 0.01 to 1 mass % based on a total solid content in the antiglare layer, the first light transmitting particles have an average particle size that is 0.1 to 4.0 μm greater than an average thickness of the antiglare layer, and a region θ(0.5) in which slope angles θ of the asperities of the surface of the antiglare layer lie within a range of 0°<θ<0.5° constitutes 40% to 98% of the surface of the antiglare layer.
US08313198B2
A projector includes: light emitting devices provided in correspondence with pixels that form an image displayed on an illuminated surface, each of the light emitting devices emitting light modulated in accordance with an image signal; and shaping optical elements provided in correspondence with the light emitting devices, each of the shaping optical elements shaping the region illuminated with the light emitted from the corresponding light emitting device, wherein the shaping optical elements form a shaped light region in a position on the light path between the shaping optical elements and the illuminated surface.
US08313195B2
A fundus camera includes an illumination unit configured to illuminate a fundus of a subject's eye with a visible light from a visible light source, an imaging unit which has sensitivity in a visible wavelength range and is configured to receive a reflected light from the fundus to capture a fundus image, and a light amount balance changing unit configured to independently change at least a part of a light amount emitted from LED elements wherein the visible light source includes a plurality of the LED elements discretely arranged into a ring shape.
US08313193B2
An aspect of the present invention relates to a polarizing lens comprising a polarizing layer on a substrate, wherein the polarizing layer comprises polarization axes that are at least partly in the form of a closed curve.
US08313176B2
A liquid ejection head may include a plurality of plates which are laminated via an adhesive. At least one of the plurality of plates may include a plurality of holes which are configured to function as liquid channels. The plate may include a plurality of individual bonding margins which are formed on a surface of the plate, and individually surround the plurality of holes. The plate may include a bonding margin bridge which extends parallel to a direction connecting the plurality of holes to each other, and connect the plurality of individual bonding margins to each other. The plate may include a groove which defines outer edges of the plurality of individual bonding margins and the bonding margin bridge on the surface of the plate.
US08313167B2
An ink manifold constructed with a number of semiconductor tiles which are fastened end to end on a rigid base member to form a page wide print mechanism. Each tile is constructed with ink channels on one side in liquid communication with ink outlet ports on the opposite side. The ink channels carry ink from ports in the base member to the outlet ports of the tiles. The interface between each tile defines a boundary. An inkjet printhead is fastened over each boundary of the tiled manifold so that the ink inlet ports of the printhead are aligned with the ink outlet ports of the underlying tiles. No ink passes across the boundary of the adjacent manifold tiles. The fabrication of the individual tiles from a semiconductor wafer facilitates usage of the wafer when fabricating page wide print mechanisms.
US08313166B2
A cleaning device for ink wiper is disclosed. The cleaning device is arranged in a position adjacent to the ink wiper. The cleaning device includes a stand and an ink-absorbing unit disposed on the stand. The ink-absorbing unit is constantly in contact with at least one face of the wiper. In the reciprocation travel of the wiper, the ink-absorbing unit serves to clean off the ink stagnating on the wiper. Therefore, the wiper is prevented from being stained with the ink so as not to affect the ink-wiping effect of the wiper.
US08313164B2
A method for automatic removal of a sealant member from a nozzle plate that includes applying a sealant member to a surface of the nozzle plate, attaching the sealant member with a pull tab, one end of the pull tab being attached to a maintenance sled of a maintenance mechanism at a first position, the maintenance sled moves from a first position to a second position thereby removing the sealant member at a 180 degree angle and with a speed of about 10 mm/sec.
US08313161B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a Modulator that performs pulse modulation for a drive waveform signal that becomes a reference for a drive signal of an actuator so as to acquire a modulated signal; a digital power amplifier that amplifies the power of the modulated signal so as to acquire a amplified digital signal; a low pass filter that smoothes the amplified digital signal so as to acquire the drive signal; a variable power source circuit that can change a power source voltage of the digital power amplifier; and a power source voltage control unit that controls changes in the power source voltage in units of a driving pulse that configures the drive signal of the actuator and can independently drive the actuator.
US08313153B2
An assembly of a rotatable cutting tool and a tool holder is provided. The rotatable cutting tool includes a cutting tool body having a head portion at an axial forward end and a collar portion axially rearward of the head portion, and a shank portion axially rearward of the collar portion. Also included is a cap member positioned on the cutting tool body wherein the cap member has a base portion and a hard cutting tip affixed to the base portion. The tool holder includes a tool holder body containing a bore having a forward end and a rearward end. The rotatable cutting tool is rotatably retained in the bore of the tool holder body. In one aspect, the shank portion of the rotatable cutting tool is received in the bore of the tool holder body and means for lubricating the shank portion of the cutting tool body is provided. In another aspect, means for securing the cap member to the head portion is provided, for example magnetically securing the cap member to the head portion. In another aspect, means for preventing rotation of the cap member relative to the head portion is also provided.
US08313152B2
In one embodiment, a method of hydraulically mining of oil sands from a well pair drilled into an oil sands deposit is disclosed. The wells are preferably installed from a protected underground workspace in or near the producing zone. The method of hydraulic mining disclosed herein includes: means of drilling production and tailings injection wells; means of augmenting hydraulic excavation for example by inducing block caving and/or wormholing; means of isolating the underground personnel areas from formation gases and fluids; and means of backfilling the excavated volumes with tailings. In one configuration, production wells are formed and lined with a frangible material, for example, a weak concrete or an inflatable epoxy-impregnated felt tube. Hydraulic mining of the full deposit thickness using a directional water jet bit begins at the far end of the drill hole and continues back in stages toward the well-head. When each stage is complete, the water jet can be used to disintegrate sections of liner to allow mining to proceed back towards the well-head. An aspect of the present invention is that it provides for backfilling of the mined volume in stages so that subsidence of the ground is avoided. Possible advantages of the hydraulic excavation method disclosed herein are the low amount of energy and water required, the high production rates possible and the tolerance to difficult geologies, to recover bitumen from oil sands as compared to thermal recovery methods such as SAGD and HAGD.
US08313140B2
A backrest frame 5 is provided with a cushion plate 31 of one substantially square plate form positioned behind the waist from the upper part of the back of a vehicle seat occupant, movably back and forth by way of a plurality of upper and lower parallel seat springs, one end of either one of a pair of right and left seat springs 34B of the plurality of upper and lower parallel seat springs is connected to a pair of lower link mechanisms 35 provided rotatably on the backrest frame 5, and a rear end collision sensor 40 is formed by the cushion plate 31 between the seat springs 34B for moving a headrest 4 forward, and a coupling part 39 of the other end of the seat spring 34B is directly attached to the lower link mechanism 35.
US08313139B2
An apparatus includes a table and a bench movably coupled to the table. The table and the bench collectively have a first configuration and a second configuration. The table has a first width when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a first height when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a second width and a second height when the table and the bench are in the second configuration. The second width is less than half of the first width, and the second height is less than half of the first width.
US08313138B2
A motor vehicle front face of the metal/plastic composite type, comprising at least one metal insert (16) over which a first plastic part (32) is overmolded and at least one metal element (20) produced by hydroforming over which a second plastic part (22) is overmolded.
US08313133B2
A utility bed includes a bed frame, a bed floor, a sidewall, and a locking mechanism. The bed floor is pivotally coupled with the bed frame and is pivotable between an upright position and a cargo support position. The sidewall comprises a door portion and a wall portion. The door portion is pivotally coupled with the bed floor and pivotable between a closed position and an opened position. The locking mechanism is associated with the sidewall. The locking mechanism is configured to retain the bed floor in the upright position with the door portion of the sidewall in the opened position. Vehicles including a utility bed are also provided.
US08313131B2
A method of lifting an aircraft at a lifting location, the method comprising: securing a fitting (10) to the aircraft when the aircraft is at the lifting location; engaging the fitting with a crane hook (100); transmitting lifting load from the crane hook to the aircraft via the fitting; and removing the fitting from the aircraft. A fitting (10) for transmitting lifting loads from a crane hook (100) to an item, the fitting comprising: an attachment member (11) configured to be secured to the item; and a lifting member (12) which is pivotally coupled to the attachment member and configured to be engaged by the crane hook (100) so as to transmit lifting loads from the crane hook to the item. A crane hook (100) with a ball-and-socket connection is provided. The crane hook has an attachment link (106) having a first pivot point (107) attached to the hook forward of its center of gravity, and a second pivot point (109) configured to be lifted by a crane, —and a biasing system which applies a biasing force to the attachment link causing the attachment link to rotate about the first pivot-point whereby the second pivot point moves towards the rear of the hook when the hook is unloaded.
US08313130B2
An apparatus for supporting a toilet is disclosed. The toilet is of the type having a waste outlet on a bottom thereof. The apparatus includes a platform having a top surface sized and shaped to contact at least a portion of the bottom of the toilet when the toilet is placed on the platform. A recess is formed in the platform and is open to the top surface and positioned on the platform such that the waste outlet of the toilet can be substantially aligned with the recess when the toilet is supported by the platform.
US08313129B2
An energy absorber for damping the impact upon the body of a motor vehicle includes energy absorbing bodies that include successively arranged support walls with a number of energy absorbing structural elements that are each separately arranged at the support wall and are firmly connected to the support wall. Upon impact, each of the structural elements absorb energy by moving towards an opposite support wall while adjoining neighboring structural element until the structural elements are compacting.
US08313127B2
A latch for latching closed a door of a vehicle, especially designed to minimize the force required to latch closed the door by pushing the door to its closed position. A tongue, having a strike face and a catch face, is resiliently mounted in the latch so as to be urged to a latch-engaged position by a torsion spring pushing against a surface of the tongue and against a cover plate of the latch. A slider block is coupled to a door handle and to the tongue so that the tongue can be swiveled to a disengaged state by use of the door handle, in order to open the vehicle door.
US08313124B2
A pipe coupling including an annular seal disposed in an annular clamp housing, an aperture being formed through a side wall of the annular seal and the annular clamp housing, and a pressing ring secured to and pressed against the annular seal and a side wall of the annular clamp housing with a mechanical fastener, so as to create a water-tight junction between the annular seal and the annular clamp housing.
US08313123B1
A device for capping and sealing a refrigeration service valve fitting of quick disconnect type for minimizing unwanted seepage of refrigerant from the fitting. The device includes a cap defining a base and an open-ended sealing portion extending longitudinally from the base. The sealing portion defines first and second internal cylindrical surfaces wherein the first surface defines a first internal diameter and the second surface defines a second internal diameter greater than the first diameter and wherein a shoulder defines a boundary between the surfaces. The first surface defines a groove containing an annular flexible member for sealingly engaging the fitting when the device is positioned on the fitting. Features are provided in relationship with the sealing portions for removably retaining the device on the fitting by engaging a conventional lock groove in the fitting.
US08313119B2
An assembly has a bracket attached to the hitch ball mount of a towing vehicle. The bracket is used with a first removable item which allows for the alignment of a trailer coupler with the hitch ball. Once the coupler has been aligned and attached to the hitch ball, the first removable item can be removed. The first accessory item is then replaced by a second removable item which allows for securement of the coupler to the hitch ball and prevents removal of the coupler from the hitch ball. The alignment and guide structure of the first removable item is interchangeable with the securement structure of the second removable item. The second removable item further provides structure for locking the second removable item to the bracket. A method for guiding the coupler toward alignment with the hitch ball and for securing the coupler to the hitch ball is also provided.
US08313118B2
A children's ride-on vehicle includes a rotatable parent steering mechanism to steer the vehicle in a desired direction, and a canopy supported by the parent steering mechanism that remains stationary as the parent steering mechanism is rotated.
US08313106B2
A seal includes a mounting portion having an outer diameter surface adapted to be received in a bore. An axially extending leg extends from the mounting portion. A hinge portion is disposed at an end of the axially extending leg. The hinge portion has a generally round cross-section with a larger diameter than the end of the axially extending leg. A main seal lip and a dust lip extend from the hinge portion.
US08313103B2
A portable projectile trap assembly includes a modular target assembly having a frame configured to retain a plurality of backstop panels. The plurality of backstop panels are removably mounted on a front side of the frame forming a planar backstop, and a front panel of resilient material is removably mounted to and covers the front side of the planar backstop opposite the frame. The front panel is spaced from the planar backstop to form an air gap between the backstop and the front panel. When a projectile is fired at the target assembly, the projectile passes through the front panel and impacts against and is stopped by the backstop. The target assembly is attached to a support mast at the rear side of the frame; the support mast is attached to a mobile base supporting the target assembly in a vertical orientation above the mobile base.
US08313101B2
A feeder for feeding printed products includes a casing comprising a one-piece frame including two spaced apart end plates and a plurality of crosspieces connecting the two end plates. At least one shaft is arranged on the end plates. At least one positioning element is arranged on the end plates to position the shaft on the end plates.
US08313100B2
A paper sheet or bill processing apparatus capable of reliably detecting a paper sheet or bill present in a traveling route. The paper sheet or bill processing apparatus includes: a motor for a paper sheet or bill conveyance mechanism which can be driven to convey a paper sheet or bill along a traveling route; a discharge sensor which detects whether or not the paper sheet or bill is present in the traveling route; and control means which carries out a redetection process to detect whether or not the paper sheet or bill is present in the traveling route again by the discharge sensor after the motor is driven if the paper sheet or bill is not detected by the discharge detection sensor in a detection process in a condition that driving of the conveyance mechanism is stopped.
US08313096B2
An image reading apparatus includes an ultrasonic sensor and a control unit. The control unit monitors each of multi-valued output values of the ultrasonic sensor in absence of a paper, in absence of an overlap, and in presence of an overlap, sets an optimal threshold of multifeed determination for a thickness of a paper based on the monitored values in the absence of a paper and in the absence of an overlap, and performs the multifeed determination using the set threshold and the value in the presence of an overlap.
US08313092B2
A gas-liquid contact column tray has a section including a gas pathway (SAA) and a liquid pathway section (SD) delimited by at least one downspout, wherein a deflecting system including a roof is included, located above the liquid gas interface at the level of the liquid pathway section (SD), in order to apportion the gas phase over a surface section greater than the section including the means of gas pathway (SAA). In a method for gas-liquid contact in such a column, most of the gas phase part is redirected and apportioned over the whole pathway section available for gas, corresponding to the tray section provided with the gas pathway (SAA), increased by the liquid pathway section (SD), using a deflecting system consisting of the roof located higher than the gas-liquid interface level of the liquid pathway section (SD), and the liquid collected is evacuated toward the lower tray.
US08313090B2
A winch formed of modular components can be reconfigured between different operational configurations. A number of different lengths and devices can be attached to the winch.
US08313088B2
A portable, user configurable service stand for a variety of riding lawnmowers and other motorized implements. The stand comprises a rigid frame with an elongated, longitudinal section spanning between twin, spaced apart vertical frame sections that support the load. Each vertical frame section secures generally planar, horizontal wheel supports. A pair of parallel, removable spans is coupled between front and rear wheel supports to temporarily provide a travel pathway over the stand. Removable, drive-on ramps are pivotally connected to the frame. After a mower is parked on the stand, the spans may be slidably removed, exposing the sides and undercarriage of the mower for convenient access. Upon removal of the spans, a pair of gravity-operated safeties automatically deploys to block the mower front wheels.
US08313078B2
A vehicle power train support system composed of a plurality of support units including right and left support units. One paired support unit has a mount device mounted on the side members and includes an outer cylinder and a central shaft having an axis extending in a vertical direction of the vehicle, mount brackets secured to front and rear portions of the outer cylinder, extension brackets disposed, with a predetermined space therebetween in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, to an upper portion of the side member, a further mount bracket secured to the power train, the another mount bracket being connected to a lower end of the central shaft protruding downward from a bottom portion of the outer cylinder, and a U-shaped stopper bracket mounted to a lower portion of the outer cylinder, the U-shaped stopper bracket surrounding front, lower and rear portions of the further mount bracket.
US08313073B2
An improved adjustable mounting system for mounting a flat panel display to a surface. A mounting bracket is configured to attach to the surface, while an adapter bracket is operatively connected to the mounting bracket and is configured to operatively connect to the flat panel display. At least one carrier mechanism operatively connects the mounting bracket and the adapter bracket, the first carrier mechanism positioned with a set of substantially straight guide paths or surfaces to couple the adapter bracket to the mounting bracket. When the flat panel display is operatively connected to the adapter bracket and the mounting bracket is attached to the surface, the flat panel display is generally selectively rotatably positionable about an axis substantially parallel to the surface as a result of the interaction of the first carrier mechanism with the set of substantially straight guide paths or surfaces.
US08313072B2
A multiple monitor array includes a support structure; a plurality of monitors supported by the support structure wherein at least one monitor serves as a door for accessing objects disposed behind the at least one monitor; a hinge structure interposed between the support structure and the at least one monitor allowing the at least one monitor serving as a door to pivot about the hinge structure; a releasable fastener configured to secure the at least one monitor serving as a door to the support structure; and an alignment mechanism configured to return the at least one monitor serving as a door to an aligned orientation and position with respect to the monitor array when the at least monitor serving as a door is closed.
US08313070B2
A base-clamp assembly for supporting an instrument relative to a patient position adjacent to an instrument-support rail. The base-clamp assembly may comprise a base, a rail clamp, and an actuator assembly. The rail clamp may attach the base to the rail. A shank clamp may attach a shank to the base. The actuator assembly may be operable for opening and/or closing the rail clamp. A drive assembly may provide for moving a force-applying element relative to the base and a movable rail jaw for closing the rail clamp. The drive assembly may also be operable for opening and closing the shank clamp.
US08313063B2
A parachute release system is configured to releasably couple a parachute to a payload. A parachute release mechanism is coupled to a suspension strap routed through a strap sleeve. The parachute release mechanism is configured to provide near-simultaneous separation of the suspension straps from the payload via operation of a rotatable hinge pin. The strap sleeve reduces the possibility of the suspension strap becoming entangled with the payload. With this system and method, larger payloads may be supported and/or the mass of the parachute release system may be reduced.
US08313061B2
An example inert gas distribution arrangement includes a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank mountable to an aircraft outboard the first fuel tank. A distribution conduit is configured to communicate inert gas to the first fuel tank through a first outlet and further configured to communicate inert gas to the second fuel tank through a second outlet. Fuel in the distribution conduit is biased to flow from the second fuel tank toward the first fuel tank when the aircraft is in selected aircraft attitudes.
US08313060B2
An aircraft passenger seating arrangement comprises a seat having a seat pan and a seat back, the seat being able to adopt a first, substantially upright sitting position and a second, sleeping position in which the seat back and seat pan are substantially horizontal, the arrangement further including a side surface arranged to form part of a substantially flat, horizontal sleeping surface alongside the seat.
US08313059B2
A passenger seat assembly for a vehicle, particularly an aircraft, which is adapted to provide self-contained, individual seating and sleeping accommodation for a passenger, said seating assembly includes a supporting structure (42) for supporting said assembly off the floor of a vehicle; one or more movable, passenger-bearing, structural components (71,72); and means for connecting said movable, structural components to said structure such that said components can be selectively moved between a seat configuration, in which a plurality of passenger-bearing surfaces on said one or more structural, movable components (71,71) or said supporting structure form a seat for the passenger, and a bed configuration, in which a plurality of said bearing surfaces (47,48,67,74,76) are disposed substantially coplanarly and substantially contiguously to form a bed for the passenger; characterized in that at least one of said movable components (72) is double-sided, comprising first and second opposite sides, one of said sides having a first seat surface (73) that forms part of the seat in said seat configuration, and the other side having a second bed surface (74) that forms part of said bed in said bed configuration.
US08313053B2
A system and method for preparing a sample of seeds or representative seed portions are provided. In various embodiments, the system and method include a force applying member and a seed container that includes at least one compartment containing a seed. The force applying member is configured to apply a force to the seed so as to break the seed into two or more seed particles, which in some embodiments may be collected in a seed particle collector. The present invention improves on the prior art by greatly reducing (and in some embodiments eliminating) the manual processes typically involved in generating tissue samples from seeds and preparing the tissue for genetic analysis. Additionally, the present invention is scaleable, and can be configured to generate samples from many seeds in a short period of time. The present invention also minimizes the risk of contamination and cross-contamination of the seed particles.
US08313052B2
A method for manufacturing of a powder mixture for a battery electrode that includes suspending of particles of at least one binder within an inert solvent producing a first suspension, slowly suspending of particles of an active material within the first suspension producing a second suspension, drying of the second suspension producing a granulate material. Further relates to a respective powder mixture, an electrode and a method of manufacturing the electrode.
US08313051B2
An apparatus for, and method of, mixing a molten composition are provided. The apparatus comprises a rotor with flow restrictors supported on its surface and supported within a bore of a casing. The mixer generates at least 100 modulating events as the molten composition flows over the flow restrictors to form a modulated composition.
US08313046B2
A multi-point injector includes an annular body defining an interior annular flow passage. The annular body includes a fluid inlet and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart fluid outlets in fluid communication with the interior flow passage. Each of the outlets has a swirl chamber formed within the annular body associated therewith for imparting swirl to fluid delivered thereto.
US08313041B2
A rail brace assembly is adapted to buttress the head of a stock rail selected from one of two different stock rail groups mounted on the top surface of a brace plate. The assembly includes a stop block assembly also is affixed to the brace plate top surface. A rail brace moveable between a first brace position in which it buttresses the head of a rail from a first stock rail group and a second brace position in which it buttresses the head of a rail from a second stock rail group, has a pair of spaced side walls, a upwardly facing top surface, first rail group head and base fishing surface contact areas, second rail group head and base fishing surface contact areas, a first rail group brace plate contact surface and a second rail group brace plate contact surface. An elastic fastener cooperates with a clip housing to clamp the rail brace against the stock rail.
US08313032B2
A method and apparatus for time stamping an image file generated by an imaging based barcode reader. The method includes initializing a current time and date on the barcode reader and tracking the current time and date using an oscillator of the barcode reader. The date and time value are set whenever the barcode reader is powered on. The method further includes capturing an image of a target object using the imaging based barcode reader and time stamping the captured image using the time tracked by the oscillator. The time stamped image is then transmitted to a host device.
US08313029B2
A method and system for determining an orientation of a data-encoding symbol, such as a PDF417 bar-code symbol, and for decoding the encoded data. One example method may include detecting an encoded data sequence at a first location of the symbol and at a second location of the symbol. The symbol orientation may be determined at least partially based on the first and second locations. Strings of data encoded in the symbol may then be decoded by processing the strings to generate indices and accessing a codeword array using the indices to look up codewords corresponding to the strings. A match between a string and a codeword may be verified with data in the codeword array.
US08313019B2
A check capture device is disclosed. The check capture device includes a housing including a secure check storage area. The check capture device further includes a check scanner configured to electronically capture information from one or more checks. The check capture device also includes control logic configured to route checks successfully scanned by the check scanner into the secure check storage area. A method of capturing check information is also disclosed.
US08313016B2
This invention relates to a method for axial positioning of a first pipe with respect to a second pipe for the welding of said pipes at their ends thereof of which the faces have been previously machined and define a joint plane, according to which a plurality of jacks are distributed around the first and second pipes, and said jacks are connected to a central processing and control unit.According to the invention, the movement of each of the jacks is controlled with respect to said external surface of the first and/or second pipe so as to align and center the internal end surfaces of the first and second pipes. The invention also relates to an associated device.
US08313015B2
A wire bonding machine is provided. The wire bonding machine includes a bonding tool and an electrode for forming a free air ball on an end of a wire extending through the bonding tool where the free air ball is formed at a free air ball formation area of the wire bonding machine. The wire bonding machine also includes a bond site area for holding a semiconductor device during a wire bonding operation. The wire bonding machine also includes a gas delivery mechanism configured to provide a cover gas to: (1) the bond site area whereby the cover gas is ejected through at least one aperture of the gas delivery mechanism to the bond site area, and (2) the free air ball formation area.
US08313012B2
A controller 50 has a single-driving mode/continuous-driving mode changeover switch 233 for performing fastener driving operation in a single driving mode or a continuous driving mode. In a case where the single-driving mode/continuous-driving mode changeover switch 233 instructs a single driving mode, the controller 50 causes a driver blade 3a to perform fastener driving operation when both a trigger switch 5 and a push lever switch 22 are switched, by switching operation, from the one switch status to the other switch status (e.g., the ON status). Consequently, fastener driving operation is made possible regardless of sequence of actuation of the trigger switch 5 and the push lever switch 22.
US08313009B2
A pepper spray container assembly includes a first housing, a second housing secured to the first housing, and a pepper spray bottle securely retained by the first and second housings. A portion of the first housing is configured to be pressed into the assembly and moved forward into an activation position, thereby sliding the first housing forward relative to the second housing.
US08313007B2
The portable multipurpose food and beverage insulated container and water dispensing alternative consists of the cooler body, a press fit top lid, a content support assemblage, a cup support assemblage, a nozzle access door and rubber skid strips. The cooler body is a rigid plastic multilayer housing with thermal insulator foam deposited between the general plainer outer shell and inner shell for reducing heat transfer through the cooler body. The press fit lid covers the top of the cooler body. The plastic content support assemblage supports the weight of the unit's contents in one of two possible orientations and collects condensate from the ice pack and or content defrosting. The cup support assemblage seats cups on a level surface and captures spills during water dispensing. The nozzle access door positioned on the frontal face of the cooler body opens to allow access to the water container's nozzle.
US08313003B2
A metal can body formed from a base stretching, drawing, and ironing process has a base having a hardness that is greater than the raw sheet, a thickness that is less than raw sheet, and a grain aspect ratio that is elongated relative to the raw sheet.
US08313002B2
A lid for a beverage container includes a top wall. The top wall has a drink opening with a communicating hole and an aroma opening disposed near the drink opening. The aroma opening has a vertical aroma hole that is a through hole extending along a vertical plane essentially perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the top wall. The vertical aroma hole emits aroma of the beverage in the container to an outside, while preventing the beverage from splattering to the outside.
US08312999B2
A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of the invention also includes a pusher paddle and a floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the coiled spring and on the floor of the pusher mechanism. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. In an alternative aspect, a mounting member may be used to mount the end of the coiled spring to the floor of the system. For those systems that include spaced-apart glide rails that are joined together by connecting ribs, or that use wire shelves, the mounting member may be snap-fit to or otherwise mounted on the floor and between the glide rails or shelf wires. The invention may be used with the merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, as well as with gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity as a mechanism to urge product toward the front of the shelf.
US08312998B2
Particular embodiments of a display fixture for displaying sheet products to consumers can include first and second frame members that are toollessly and removably mounted to a rear support frame, wherein the first frame member includes horizontal trays and the second frame member includes vertical bays. The display fixture may also include a first set of vertical bays that are arranged lateral of the horizontal trays and angled away from the horizontal trays at a first angle. The display fixture may further include a second set of vertical bays that are arranged lateral of the horizontal trays and angled away from the horizontal trays at a second angle that is different from the first angle.
US08312991B2
A case incorporates a built-in stand for an electronic device, such as an electronic tablet computer, which the case houses. The case protects the electronic device and allows a user to view and access the device without removing it from the case. The built-in stand is adjustable and allows for multiple viewing angles.
US08312985B2
A guide element for containers includes partial guide elements that can be interconnected by a connecting element having first and second partial connecting elements that can be force-locked together. One of the partial connecting elements includes a lockable receptacle into which the other partial connecting element can be inserted by its insertion end, the insertion end corresponding to the receptacle, such that the first partial connecting element, when in an unlocked condition, is held securely in position and supported by the second partial connecting element, and one partial connecting element is held securely in position on the other partial connecting element by form-fit when the lockable receptacle is locked.
US08312964B2
A self-rescue system and a method for providing self-rescue to fall-victims suspended in fall-arresting safety harnesses following an accidental fall enables such suspended fall victims to descend to the ground or other place of safety at a controlled, safe velocity, without assistance from anyone else. In addition, the invention can also address applications in many types of elevated locations where a controlled descent is needed in order to escape emergency conditions.
US08312961B2
A soot preventing type tail trim may include a tail pipe discharging exhaust gas, and a body enclosing an outer circumference of the tail pipe with a predetermined space therebetween, such that wind may be allowed to flow into the predetermined space and to be discharged therefrom to generate a separation layer in the exhaust gas passing the tail pipe by the wind.
US08312949B2
In a vehicle in which a front end of a hood is formed so as to extend forward from an upper portion of radiator in side view, and to be partly vertically aligned and overlapped with cooling fins of the radiator, in a first area of the radiator where the hood and the cooling fins are vertically aligned and overlapped with each other, the cooling fins are covered with a fan shroud from behind, and in a second area of the radiator where an air-intake port allows traveling wind to pass therethrough during movement of the vehicle, the cooling fins are not covered with the fan shroud, but are exposed to such traveling wind. Such arrangement of the cooling system achieves satisfactory cooling of the vehicle even in a situation in which an air-intake port, for introducing air into the radiator, must be made small.
US08312945B2
An assembly is provided for limiting the displacement of a track system mounted to the axle of a vehicle. The assembly generally comprises an anchor bracket and a stabilizing rod. The anchor bracket is configured to be fixedly mounted to the chassis of the vehicle whereas the stabilizing rod is pivotally and slidingly mounted, at one end, to the anchor bracket, and generally only pivotally mounted, at the other end, to the track system. While allowing limited rotation, the limiting assembly generally prevents excessive rotation of the track system about the axle.
US08312942B2
Roller cone drill bits operable to form a borehole. A number of support arms may extend from each drill bit. A cutter cone assembly may be mounted on each support arm. A number of cutting elements or inserts may be disposed on an exterior surface of a cone assembly. A lifting surface may be formed on each support arm extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge of each support arm such that the lifting surfaces directs cuttings upward in a borehole. A wedge shaped portion may be formed on each support arm proximate the lifting surface and the trailing edge. An inlet to each lifting surface may be formed on the leading edge of each support arm.
US08312935B1
A water recycling and firefighting training system for efficiently practicing connecting water hoses between a water storage tank including a fire hydrant and a fire engine. The water recycling and firefighting training system generally includes a frame having wheels, a storage tank mounted to the frame, a fire hydrant mounted proximate the frame, wherein the fire hydrant is fluidly connected to the storage tank, a pump fluidly connected to the storage tank to pump water to the fire hydrant, and at least one intake fluidly connected to the storage tank for inputting water back within the storage tank. The water from the storage tank is circulated between the mobile trailer and a fire engine through a plurality of hoses in a closed-loop configuration.
US08312925B2
An embodiment of a method of performing a wellbore operation in an oilfield comprises providing a bottom hole assembly on a conveyance, deploying the bottom hole assembly into the wellbore with the conveyance, determining the depth location of the bottomhole assembly in the wellbore utilizing a mechanical device, moving the bottom hole assembly to a desired location based on the determined depth, circulating a fluid from the oilfield to the bottomhole assembly, and performing at least one wellbore operation while the bottomhole assembly is deployed at the desired location.
US08312901B2
An open-jet filling system, a method of filling containers by means of such an open-jet filling system used for contactless filling a container, and a corresponding filling machine, with the open-jet filling system provided with a filling level probe. For always obtaining the same filling height in the containers and for simultaneously realizing hygienic filling, a centering unit is arranged below the open-jet filling element in a vertically movable manner such that it can be moved onto a container mouth, the filling level probe being arranged on the centering unit.
US08312895B2
A solenoid valve device includes a solenoid valve that has a solenoid portion, a valve element that drivingly slides using electromagnetic force generated by the solenoid portion and regulates and outputs fluid pressure supplied from a fluid pressure source, a spring that biases the valve element in the sliding direction, and a spring chamber that accommodates the spring; an accumulating portion that accumulates operation fluid; an intake check valve that permits the flow of operation fluid from the accumulating portion to the spring chamber; and a discharge check valve that permits the flow of operation fluid from the spring chamber to an operation destination different from the accumulating portion.
US08312890B1
A fluid processing device, system, and method for processing a fluid, are provided. The device includes a substrate, a plurality of fluid retainment regions formed in or on the substrate, and a barrier at least partially separating two or more of the fluid retainment regions, wherein the barrier can include a solvent-dissolvable, LCST-free material.
US08312889B2
A combination flow control and reverse flow check valve provides a compact valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid in a downstream direction and limiting undesired backflow of liquid into a source such as a reservoir. The flow control and reverse flow check valve may be provided as a unitary member having a housing with an upstream end configured for mounting to the liquid source, a fluid conveying channel within the housing, and a check element positioned in the channel between the flow control valve, such as a ball valve, and a seat which is complementally configured with the check element to normally seal against backflow. A blocking element may be provided to prevent interference of the check element with the operation of the flow control valve while permitting liquid to flow in an intended downstream direction. Because the occurrence of a backflow event is an undesired and infrequent event which may necessitate investigation, the check element may be sized and made of a material which will move past the seat during pressurized flow, thereby providing an indicator that a backflow event has occurred when the check element is found within the source.
US08312888B2
A canopy anchor pad system that has a pad with a metal plate attached thereto and a fastening member that extends through the pad. The anchor pad system is attached to the leg of a canopy assembly and is of size and shape to accommodate a secondary weight such as a cooler that can be placed on the pad in order to anchor the leg of the canopy assembly.
US08312883B2
A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.
US08312879B2
A method for controlling a mechanical ventilator that is supplying medical gas to a patient via an endotracheal tube. A pressure is measured from a patient end of an endotracheal tube. The pressure at the patient end of the endotracheal tube is used to create an improved endotracheal tube resistance model such that the medical gas supplied by the mechanical ventilator may be compensated for the resistance of the endotracheal tube thereby providing increased control over the medical gas that is delivered to the patient's lungs. Additionally, if an obstruction in the patient's airway is detected, the location of the obstruction may be targeted such that the proper remedial treatment or procedure is selected by a clinician.
US08312878B2
A mainstream gas monitoring system and method that includes a using a mainstream airway adapter, and a gas sensing assembly associated with the mainstream airway adapter to measure an analyte of a gas flow through the adapter. A gas sensing portion outputs a signal indicative of the analyte in a gas flow in the mainstream airway adapter. A processing portion receives the signal from the gas sensing portion and determines an amount of the analyte in the gas flow based on the signal from the gas sensing portion. The processing portion also compensates for volumetric differences between the gas flow during inspiration and the gas flow during expiration to maximize the accuracy in the measurements made using such a system and method.
US08312873B2
A low depth telescoping downdraft ventilator controlled by an electronic controller providing a precisely controlled and efficient way of removing gases and fumes is disclosed. The low depth telescoping downdraft ventilator has the ability to fit behind a built-in oven placed below a cook top unit. The telescoping downdraft ventilator has an almost infinitely selectable range of heights above a cook top with a built in oven. The ventilator collects and draws in exhaust fumes and smoke, filters it and re-circulates or expels it either outdoors or indoors. The inner member of the telescoping ventilator may house the exhaust fans and may move up or down without the use of mechanical switches for elevation detection and stopping. The ventilator may have sensors to detect temperatures, filter change need, fan speeds, telescoping stop points, energy consumption, resistance and voltage, enabling programmable set point operation.
US08312866B2
An engine system for a vehicle and its method of operation are provided. In one embodiment, a control system is configured to indicate a clogging of a fuel filter based on a period of time that a fuel pressure switch remains in a low pressure state. In some embodiments, the control system may respond to an indicated clogging of the fuel system by limiting one or more of fuel pressure, fuel flow rate, and vehicle speed. By limiting the flow rate and/or the pressure at which fuel is delivered to the engine during conditions when the low pressure fuel sub-system is unable to provide sufficient fuel pressure and/or flow, degradation and/or damage to the fuel system, including the high pressure pump, may be reduced or eliminated.
US08312854B2
An ignition laser for an internal combustion engine is provided, wherein the combustion chamber window is connected to a housing of the ignition laser in a gas-, pressure-, and temperature-resistant manner.
US08312853B2
A valve spring device is provided with a first coil spring and a second coil spring combined in series with each other. The inside diameter (coil inside diameter) of the second coil spring is greater than the outside diameter (coil outside diameter) of the first coil spring. A part of the first coil spring including an end portion along an axis is inserted into the second coil spring, thereby forming a combined spring. The end portion of the first coil spring and an end portion of the second coil spring are connected to each other by a connecting member. The first and second coil springs are compressed along the axis as they are located in series between a cylinder head and a retainer. A shaft of a valve is passed within the coil springs.
US08312846B1
An animal loading and unloading apparatus is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the animal loading/unloading apparatus includes a base having a ramp space, a fence carried by the base and a ramp extendable from the ramp space.
US08312845B2
A wireless fencing system comprises a tetherless leash, a programming fixture, and, optionally, a terminal. The tetherless leash, which is attached to an animal that is to be monitored, establishes a “virtual” (i.e., barrier-free) perimeter based on geo-coordinates. The tetherless leash also monitors the position and movement of an animal relative to the perimeter, and delivers warnings, corrections, and praise to the animal in accordance with its programming. The programming fixture serves as a user interface during programming operations, since there are no exposed buttons by which a user can directly program the tetherless leash.
US08312841B2
A method for culturing and producing mites, such as house dust mites, comprising culturing the mites in a suitable solid growth medium, under suitable conditions and for a suitable period of time in a suitable production room, characterized in that the mites are cultured in medium comprised within a closed bag.
US08312833B2
A pneumatic nozzle for roller coating is revealed. A workpiece to be coated is fixed on a rotating power source of a machine. A high-pressure pneumatic nozzle and a material supply nozzle, both corresponding to the workpiece, are arranged at the machine. The workpiece is driven to rotate by the rotating power source while the material supply nozzle applies coating material to the workpiece and the high-pressure pneumatic nozzle releases high pressure gas. The coating material attached on the surface of the workpiece is pushed by the high pressure gas and spread uniformly on the workpiece by rotating workpiece. Thereby the material is coated smoothly in a non-contact way and the thickness of the coating material is controlled in micron scale. This helps following manufacturing of three-dimensional microstructures on rolls for producing roll dies and increases the practical value.
US08312832B1
A cylindrical rod has an upper end with an upper aperture, a lower end with a lower aperture, and is of a common diameter along the majority of its length. A spiral attachment component has an upwardly facing upper end received in the lower aperture and a downwardly facing lower end terminating in a point. A crank has a vertical lower region removably received in the upper aperture, a horizontal middle region, and a vertical upper region. A cylindrical collar is secured to the lower region of the crank. The collar has a central recess of a diameter less than the diameter of the collar. A rope has a first end secured around the central recess of the collar and a second end adapted to be secured to a cleat of a boat.
US08312830B2
The invention relates to a threading device (1) for the threading of a line through a ring member or the like that comprises a body (2), a rotatable arc-shaped element (14) suspended in the body and having an opening (26), and a line holding means (16) arranged to slide on the arc-shaped element, where the arc-shaped element is adapted to assume a first position with the opening in a first direction and a second position with the opening in a second position, and where the threading device further comprises transfer means (18) adapted to transfer a movement to the outer surface of the arc-shaped element in order to rotate the arc-shaped element between the first and the second position. The advantage of the invention is to provide a threading device that is easy to operate, that can be used by both pushing and pulling and that can be manufactured in a cost-effective way.
US08312823B2
A guide member is moved in interlocked relation to a rotary member rotating about the axis of a needle bar, so that a string-shaped material paid out from a bobbin is guided to a needle drop position of a sewing needle. The bobbin having the string-shaped material wound thereon is supported by a support member that is rotatable generally about the axis of the needle bar and disposed over a machine table in such a manner as to not hamper movement of an embroidery frame. The bobbin can be positioned at a distance from a machine head; thus, bobbins of increased sizes can be used. The support member is controlled in orientation, by means of a drive source, in accordance with rotation of the rotary member. The bobbin itself revolves around the machine head, which allows the string-shaped material to be constantly appropriately guided to the needle drop position.
US08312822B2
A system and method is provided for the removal of mercury from flue gas. Effective removal of mercury is obtained by oxidation of elemental mercury, with highly reactive halogen species derived from dissociation of halogen compounds at moderate temperatures brought into contact with the flue gas with or without the addition of carbon.
US08312817B2
A system is provided with vehicles for Under-way Vehicle transfer where railway depot cars run on track flush in runways for buses or other highway vehicles to drive parallelly into bottom and side openings, berths, in the cars while moving at train speed along the runway and be lifted and lowered in their berths for transfer of passengers to and from the train nonstop. The buses have an alignment arm at each front (both ends are front) for the driver to extend into the opening and apply pressure on the front face of the berth on the train so the bus driver can detect steady alignment by reading a pressure gauge before turning to enter the opening. The arm is pushed into the bus as the bus reaches alignment under the berth and turns the bus wheels parallel with the train if the driver has not. The bus floor is at or near the height of the depot car floor when set on end ledges in the berth by retracting the bus wheels or lowering end brackets to lift the bus for quick exchange of passengers with the train. The depot cars that have an offset center sill under a side aisle past the berth have an upper branch over the berth with a header at each end substantially in one plane to prevent twisting torque from strong buffer force on the depot cars.
US08312808B2
An apparatus for bundling bars comprises an accumulator rotatable about a horizontal axis. The accumulator has a plurality of notches spaced angularly around its axis. A drive rotates the accumulator about its axis to sequentially locate the notches at a first station at which long bars are received in the notches and accumulated into batches; a second station at which the batches are tied into bundles; and a third station at which the bundles are delivered from the notches to a bundle collector.
US08312805B1
A high pressure piston for use within a liner sleeve of a reciprocating pump comprises a dual-durometer elastomeric seal having first and second coaxial seal sections and, in certain embodiments, a circumferential bearing ring. Interactions of the seal components, including seal elastomers, result in stress redistribution within the seal which maintains sealing preload, with corresponding improved extrusion resistance and seal durability. When a bearing ring is present, a pump's pressure stroke causes at least a portion of the bearing ring to elastically expand radially to narrow or close the extrusion gap, thus tending to block elastomer extrusion by establishing sliding contact between the bearing ring's external surface and the liner. On the pump's return stroke the slightly wider extrusion gap allows cooling water directed generally toward the proximal flange of the piston hub to better cleanse, as well as cool, the liner wall.
US08312804B2
The actuator unit includes a hollow body defining a sliding chamber within; a piston mounted sliding inside said sliding chamber such to provide an actuation force and operated by a fluid fed from the outside; a body having one transmission end for the transmission of said actuation force prolonged outside said sliding chamber and one hooking end hooked to said piston, amplification means being interposed between said body and said piston to amplify said actuation force so as to obtain an amplified actuation force.
US08312799B2
A rip fence for a table saw including a front rail and a rear rail. The rip fence includes a front clamping mechanism having a locking tip positioned adjacent to the front rail, a pivotable activation plate and a handle. A rear clamping mechanism is positioned adjacent to the rear rail, and the activation plate is coupled to the rear clamping mechanism where the handle is movable between a release position and a locking position. The activation plate includes a rolling member movable between an upper end and a lower end of the activation plate, wherein when the handle is moved from the release position to the locking position, the rolling member moves from the upper end to the lower end of the activation plate, causing the activation plate to move the rear clamping mechanism into engagement with the rear rail.
US08312792B1
In a bi-directional overrunning clutched differential unit, a pair of coaxial hubs are relatively unrotatably fitted on respective coaxial output shafts, and are relatively rotatably inserted into a cage holding rollers. A pair of second bearings journal a clutch housing disposed around the cage is diametrically larger than a pair of first bearings journaling the respective hubs, and are disposed between the first bearings in the axial direction of the output shafts. An axial end portion of the cage and the second bearing on the same axial side are distant from the first bearing on the same axial side so as to have a space where a friction mechanism for applying a frictional rotation resistance onto the cage is disposed.
US08312791B2
A bicycle pedal has a pedal spindle, a pedal body and a step-in cleat engagement structure. The pedal body includes a tubular mounting portion rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle. The tubular mounting portion includes a center tube section that has a widthwise dimension and a lengthwise dimension as measured from the center spindle axis to an outside surface of the center tube section along reference planes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. The widthwise dimension is substantially perpendicular to a cleat pedaling force direction applied to the pedal spindle, as viewed along in a direction of the center spindle axis. The outside surface of the center tube section has an overall transverse cross sectional shape that includes a generally convex arc that extends a majority of the outside surface of the center tube section on a side of the reference plane that faces the cleat engagement structure.
US08312787B2
A shift lever assembly with a button type shift knob may include a lower skirt slidably and rotatably coupled around a shift rod, an upper skirt disposed on the lower skirt and rotatably coupled to the lower skirt to allow relative rotation therebetween and to prevent relative straight motion therebetween, and a shift knob detachably attached to an upper portion of the shift rod, wherein the shift knob is slidably coupled to the upper skirt to permit an upper motion of the upper and lower skirts along a center axis of the shift rod and is eccentrically coupled to the upper skirt to prevent a relative rotation therebetween.
US08312784B2
According to the invention, an actuator device comprises rollers positioned and guided by spacer rings, and an assembly consisting of said rollers and said rings is provided between a male part and a female part. The rollers include synchronization pinions arranged at the ends thereof and include, on the threaded portion located between said pinions, annular grooves used as a journal for interfacing with open bearings in the form of notches provided on each spacer ring.
US08312783B2
A direct acting force limiting actuator wherein the actuator output force either directly or indirectly causes significant drag on a rotary input shaft rather than on the translating output member. Consequently, input energy is dissipated before the actuator gear train mechanical advantage amplifies the reaction forces.
US08312763B2
Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of particle or cell characteristics, such as mass, in Susppended Microchannel Resonators (SMR's). Apparatus include in particular designs for trapping particles in SMR's for extended measurement periods. Methods include techniques to provide differential measurements by varying the fluid density for repeated measurements on the same particle or cell.
US08312762B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus for placing a sample in a chromatographic system. The device and method feature placing samples held in a sample loop to pressurization prior to placing such sample loop in communication with high pressure conduits.
US08312760B2
In the field of knock detection in a combustion engine, a method and a device detects and controls the knock by adapting the gain of an amplifier which amplifies the knock sensor signal. The gain of the amplifier is adapted based on analysis of a set of samples from the knock sensor so that the amplification of the knock sensor signal across the entire measuring window is optimum and the complete ADC evaluation range can be utilized better.
US08312758B2
A photoacoustic gas sensor includes a photoacoustic cell configured to receive a gas mixture having a first gas component and a second gas component. The photoacoustic gas sensor also includes a light source configured to provide light to the photoacoustic cell. The photoacoustic gas sensor further includes a photoacoustic cell controller configured to measure a concentration of the second gas component using a speed of sound through the gas mixture, where the speed of sound is determined based on an absorption associated with the first gas component. In addition, the photoacoustic gas sensor could include a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the gas mixture, where the photoacoustic cell controller is configured to determine the concentration of the second gas component using the speed of sound and the temperature.
US08312757B2
A predetermined test sample is used to test a measuring instrument (10) for gravimetric moisture determination. The measuring instrument has a test chamber (30), a weighing device (40) for determining the mass of a sample contained in a sample holder (60) in a measuring position in the test chamber, and at least one means for heating (31) the sample on the sample holder. The test sample is placed on the sample holder and its initial mass is determined. The test chamber is heated, using a predefined temperature profile. After heating, the subsequent mass of the test sample is determined, using the weighing device. By comparing this subsequent mass to a reference mass for the test sample, a signal corresponding to the result of the comparison is generated and transmitted.
US08312756B2
A hydropnuematic riveter system is described, having features that allow for a reduction in size and weight over traditional rivet squeezers and rivet pullers. The riveter system also provides for greater versatility by permitting the operator to connect different rivet forming heads to the pressure intensifier portion, via a single flexible conduit with fluid-tight quick disconnect fittings.
US08312753B2
A method of forming a hollow curled portion on a hollow body, the curled portion being oriented from one end to the other end of the hollow body. The method includes a bending step of curving an end of the hollow body toward another end of the hollow body, thereby forming a curled portion, an ironing step of ironing the curled portion with a die, and a recurving step of stopping the die from ironing the curled portion and allowing the curled portion to recurve under its own resiliency in a direction opposite to the direction in which the end of the hollow body has been curved. The ironing step and the recurving step are repeated.
US08312743B2
A method for forming buried ion-exchanged waveguides involves a two-step process. In a first step a waveguide is formed at the surface of a substrate using an ion-exchange technique. After formation of the waveguide, a field-assisted annealing is carried out to move the waveguide away from the surface of the substrate so that it is buried in the substrate. Exemplary field-assisted annealing is carried out at a temperature close to the ion-exchange temperature ±10° C. to optimize results.
US08312736B2
A cold plate including a cold wall, a first cavity, a first pipe, a second cavity, an expansion unit and a second pipe is provided. The first cavity covers on the cold wall to form a first fluid space, and the first pipe is connected with the first cavity. The second cavity is disposed inside the first cavity and covers on the cold wall to form a second fluid space. The expansion unit is disposed between the second cavity and the cold wall to interconnect the first fluid space and the second fluid space. The second pipe is disposed inside the first pipe and connected with the second cavity. Besides, a refrigeration system including the cold plate mentioned above is also provided.
US08312726B2
Gas turbine engine systems involving I-beam struts are provided. In this regard, a representative strut assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first I-beam strut having first and second flanges spaced from each other and interconnected by a web, the first strut exhibiting a twist along a length of the web.
US08312725B2
A trapped vortex combustor. The trapped vortex combustor is configured for receiving a lean premixed gaseous fuel and oxidant stream, where the fuel includes hydrogen gas. The trapped vortex combustor is configured to receive the lean premixed fuel and oxidant stream at a velocity which significantly exceeds combustion flame speed in a selected lean premixed fuel and oxidant mixture. The combustor is configured to operate at relatively high bulk fluid velocities while maintaining stable combustion, and low NOx emissions. The combustor is useful in gas turbines in a process of burning synfuels, as it offers the opportunity to avoid use of diluent gas to reduce combustion temperatures. The combustor also offers the possibility of avoiding the use of selected catalytic reaction units for removal of oxides of nitrogen from combustion gases exiting a gas turbine.
US08312719B2
A variable turbocharger including a turbine housing, a first scroll fluidly communicating with a turbine, a second scroll formed along an outside of the first scroll, wherein the first scroll and the second scroll are disposed within the turbine housing for exhaust gas to exhaust through the turbine, a partitioning unit for selectively separating the first scroll and the second scroll, and a flux control valve disposed at the exhaust gas inflow portion and selectively coupled to the partitioning unit for blocking the exhaust gas from flowing into the second scroll. The variable turbocharger may prevent turbo lag at a low speed and be highly efficient at a high speed.
US08312717B2
An externally heated engine is provided which has a piston and a displacer. The position of the piston can be adjusted by a yoke and disk assembly on one end of a link and spacers and gaskets in the cylinder. The relative position of the displacer with respect to the piston can be changed by changing the relative position of a pair of disks in the crankshaft assembly. The displacer is caused to reciprocate by a link which is moved by a displacer cam assembly. The displacer cam assembly includes a first cam and a second cam. The first cam and the second cam each have a groove path. The displacer link follows the groove path of the cams to cause the displacer to dwell at the two ends of its stroke and to move rapidly from one end to the other.
US08312716B2
The present invention relates to a hydraulic drive system having a pressure-regulated hydraulic pump for the provision of a system pressure and having a secondarily regulated hydraulic motor. In accordance with the invention, a control is provided which sets the desired system pressure during operation in dependence on an operating parameter of the hydraulic motor.
US08312714B1
One or more embodiments of a heat recovery silencer are provided herein. The heat recovery silencer can include a heat recovery outer housing disposed about an inner housing. The inner housing can have a first silencing chamber having an inlet at one end.
US08312696B2
A method of providing a food storage product dispensing kit for de-bulking food includes a plurality of re-sealable primary bags and a plurality of secondary pouches, wherein the secondary pouches are adapted and configured to be worn and inverted over a user's hand as well as minimize freezer burn of food items therein.
US08312694B2
A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit has a glass door which, in turn, has a door frame into which a glazing pane has been inserted. The door frame has a plastic jacket peripherally integrally shaped in one piece.
US08312693B2
Photovoltaic bituminous tile for a photovoltaic roof, production method of the tile and laying method of the roof, in which: the photovoltaic bituminous tile includes the photovoltaic module that integrates at least one amorphous silicon triple junction solar cell and electric connector, coupled to a bituminous base by a sticking phase; and in which the installation of the photovoltaic roof requires two phases. In the first phase in which the photovoltaic bituminous tiles are placed, each is provided with an electric connector, placed side-by-side to the other at the lateral edge and surmounted near the upper longitudinal edge, and, at least at the connection of each tile placed side-by-side to the other, with at least one angular ‘L’ shaped section to which a covering is joinable. The second phase involves performing the electrical connections with protection of the connections and of the connector by application of the protection covering.
US08312679B1
A form or mold for letters and numbers is filled with different color stucco and mounted to the side of a building or used in landscaping and filled with different color mulch or rocks to display names and addresses. The letters and numbers can have an illuminating feature.
US08312675B2
A pressure-activated sensor assembly may include a switch component that actuates upon pressure contact with an obstructing object; a flexible component that substantially surrounds and encases the switch component; an engagement component that engages a projection of an associated closure component; an extended portion disposed substantially on a side of the engagement component that contacts a side surface of the associated closure component; and at least one fastener that secures the extended portion to the side surface of the closure component.
US08312674B2
A stackable planter has a generally rectangular base having a base area. A hollow leg is attached to opposite sides of the base. Each leg has an open top, the open top of each leg being adjacent opposite sides of the base. The area of the open top is less than the base area. Interconnected sidewalls extend from the base and the legs to define a cavity for planting soil. A removable cover fits over the open area of each leg. These covers also fit on the rectangular base. The base, covers and open tops of the legs are sized such that the covers may be placed on the base and not extend into the open area of the legs and each cover can be placed over the open area of a leg fully covering the open area. The sidewalls and the legs are sized and configured so that one planter body can be positioned within another planter for storage and shipment.
US08312673B2
A plant growth array device includes an aerial growth chamber configured to receive aerial shoot portions of a plurality of plants and a root growth chamber configured to receive root portions of the plurality of plants. A dividing member is between the aerial growth chamber and the root chamber and has a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of plants therein. The plurality of apertures are configured so that the root portions grow substantially in a common orientation.
US08312672B2
The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for analyzing a population of haploid seeds generally includes providing a population of seeds comprising haploid seeds, removing tissue samples from a plurality of the seeds in the population using an automated seed sampler system while preserving the germination viability of the sampled seeds, and analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics indicative of at least one genetic or chemical trait.
US08312670B2
A horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft.
US08312666B2
A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.
US08312665B2
A sighting device is mountable to the side plate of a gun. The sighting device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source. The sighting device is mounted to a gun, usually by being mounted to a side plate, which is then mounted to a gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device is mounted to the side plate by being screwed or bolted to it. In another embodiment, the sighting device includes a recess or channel that receives a rail, such as a dove-tail projection (or protrusion), formed on the side or vice versa. A side plate to which the sighting device can be attached and a gun including the sighting device are also disclosed.
US08312663B2
A harmonic barrel dampener operable to increase the accuracy of a weapon having a barrel. According to at least one embodiment, a harmonic barrel dampener comprises an outer portion that substantially encases or enwraps a significant portion of barrel, and wherein the harmonic barrel dampener further comprises at least one acoustic dampening material contained between the outer portion and a weapon's barrel, resulting in improved accuracy of projectiles fired from the weapon.
US08312659B2
The present invention relates to a hand gun having at least one exchangeable magazine for cartridges, able to be inserted from below into a grip piece of the weapon. According to the invention, a security element is arranged in the grip piece of the weapon, which with the magazine removed blocks a grip security arrangement of the weapon on the grip piece and which on insertion of the magazine is acted upon by an element arranged on the magazine such that it moves within the grip piece, wherein through this displacement the blocking of the grip security arrangement is released. In addition, this hand gun can have a firing pin security arrangement, which blocks a movement of the firing pin on non-actuation of the trigger, wherein a recess is provided in the firing pin, and a firing pin security element, guided displaceably in this recess, which on actuation of the trigger of the weapon is acted upon directly by an arm of a swivel part connected with the trigger, and is displaced into a security release position.
US08312657B2
Muzzle-loading rifle, which comprises a breech plug (1) and a barrel (2), both fixed in a connection area (3), characterized in that the breech plug (1) is provided with a continuous flange (11) that presses from inside against a seating surface (12) of the barrel (2) when the breech plug (1) is fitted in the interior of the barrel (2), so that said pressure increases when the powder (7) explodes on the second end (5) of the breech plug (1). As a result, the seal between the breech plug (1) and the barrel (2) is strengthened and the gunpowder is prevented from reaching the connection area (3), thereby making it easier to detach the breech plug (1).
US08312652B2
An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The greeting card contains a slide trigger that activates the pre-recorded sound clip upon opening the greeting card. A second push-button trigger controls playback of the pre-recorded music clip while simultaneously recording the user singing along to the pre-recorded music. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.
US08312648B2
A foot orthotic for golf that provides solid stability and encourages proper foot bracing and release during the golf swing. The orthotic having a semi-rigid shell, compliant top cover, anti-skid forefoot pad and a heel post. The heel post having a short medial edge to encourage proper bracing and release and an extended lateral edge to resist foot rolling or supination during the golf swing.
US08312643B2
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert.
US08312639B2
Disclosed is a liquid storage container and a clothes dryer having the same. The liquid storage container comprises: a reservoir installed at the clothes dryer, and configured to store liquid therein; a light transmitting window disposed above the reservoir; and a level indicator configured to be partially or wholly immersed into the liquid stored in the reservoir according to a level of the liquid. According to the amount of the liquid stored in the reservoir, an immersed degree of the level indicator into the liquid may become different. Accordingly, a user may easily and rapidly check a remaining amount of the liquid with his or her naked eyes.
US08312636B1
A rotary disk is provided. The rotary disk defines a receiving groove and includes a curved ruler. The receiving groove is configured for receiving a circular workpiece of which a diameter is to be measured. The rotary disk is configured to be rotated so as to slide the workpiece in the receiving groove until the workpiece is held in place by tight contacts between the workpiece and the rotary disk. The curved ruler includes a number of graduations arranged along a periphery of the receiving groove and configured for indicating the diameter of the workpiece when the workpiece is held in place by a contact point between the workpiece and the rotary disk corresponding to a graduation.
US08312627B2
A method for repairing a combustor liner for a gas turbine engine combustor, the combustor having a combustion zone formed by inner and outer liners, the method comprising the steps of removing a portion of a combustor liner to form a deficit in the liner; providing a replacement panel having at least one opening and a thermal barrier material applied to the replacement panel adjacent to the opening, and installing the replacement panel in the deficit.
US08312625B2
An apparatus for crimping a terminal with a wire includes a first crimper and a second crimper. The first crimper presses the terminal with the wire at a first position of the wire. The second crimper presses the terminal with the wire at a second position of the wire after the first crimper presses the terminal at the first position. The first position is disposed between a tip end of the wire and the second position in an extending direction of the wire.
US08312618B2
In a module system for manufacturing variants of two and three stable positions fluid-operated actuators a cylinder housing of both variants of two and three stable positions actuators is manufactured from a blank. The blank includes at least one opening for a cover and is identical for the variants of the two and three stable position actuator, and is at least prepared for the arrangement of a first pressure duct, a second pressure duct, and a first cylinder diameter of the cylinder housing.
US08312614B2
A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.
US08312609B2
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a patterned media Ni stamper comprising depositing a perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane release layer. The release layer eliminates bonding at the master-stamper interface. A permanent master for manufacturing a patterned media stamper is also provided.
US08312594B2
A novel suction head for a carpet cleaning wand wherein either or both of two designs are utilized. Each design utilizes a generally fan shaped internal suction channel that fairs smoothly between an exhaust channel of substantially round cross section and lips of an intake opening having a much wider and substantially rectangular cross section. The internal suction channel utilized by one design is formed with a cross section that is non-uniform when viewed along the direction of air flow through the wand, which is a dramatic contrast to the uniform cross sections of known current designs. Another design utilizes an internal airfoil interrupting the internal suction channel along its centerline for diverting the air flow more towards the outside edges of the internal suction channel.
US08312581B2
With a method for determining the load of a washing machine, the load can be determined in a simple and exact manner in that the load is calculated by a comparison between suspension forces of the at least one suspension element and damper forces of the at least one damper with a non-linear characteristic in the unloaded and loaded state of the washing machine.
US08312580B2
An apparatus including a housing, and a knife connected to the housing, wherein the knife at least partially folds into the housing. The apparatus also may include a first device for cracking a vehicle windshield, wherein the first device is connected to the housing. The apparatus may also include a second device for cutting a vehicle seat belt, wherein the second device is connected to the housing and at least partially folds into the housing. The knife may be connected to the housing so that the knife rotates in order to at least partially fold into the housing. The first device may include a first spring so that the first device can be compressed into the housing or expanded away from the housing. The second device may be connected to the housing so that the second device rotates in order to at least partially fold into the housing.
US08312576B1
A foldable mattress support is made by covering a metal frame with a fabric covering. The metal frame includes two sections that fold together at two hinges. A first section includes first upper and lower frames, and a second section includes second upper and lower frames. Each of the upper and lower frames is pivotally attached to a hinge. A bolt that is oriented along a first axis passes through the first upper frame and through a plate of the hinge. The first upper frame pivots about a first axis; the second upper frame pivots about a second axis; the first lower frame pivots about a third axis; and the second lower frame pivots about a fourth axis. Each of the axes is orthogonal to the plate, and the third axis is spaced farther apart from the fourth axis than the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis.
US08312572B2
A telescoping plumbing device and method is provided. The telescoping plumbing device and method may employ a flexible cable at least partially disposed within a plurality of nested pipes or tubes capable of being extended and retracted telescopically, so that the cable may be pushed down a toilet or drain by collapsing the plurality of pipes abruptly and forcibly from the extended position to the retracted position.
US08312569B2
A wearing apparel garment, such as an undergarment, has a padded portion positioned to be located adjacent to the coccyx of the wearer during use and which has a medicated patch containing suitable medicine therein which is applied to the user adjacent his or her coccyx during use. The garment is intended for use by one who is confined to a significant period of sitting or prone positioning which may make that person susceptible to pressure sores. The padded portion can be removed and the pad replaced as suitable. With the pad removed, the garment can be washed, if desired. The pad can be sized and medicated according to the need. The garment has no internal seams which might cause chafing or pressure on susceptible tissues. The garment is opened along a line which extends between the upper rim of the garment to the lower rim of the garment and which is releasably closed by a releasable fastener, such as a hook-and-loop fastener system.
US08312568B2
A pocket system for an athletic garment according to embodiments of the present invention includes a center pocket and first and second pockets each having an outer, inner, top, and bottom edge. The top edges are open, while the inner, outer, and bottom edges are closed. A vertical centerline of the garment substantially aligns with a user's spine, and the first pocket is located on the athletic garment on one side of the vertical centerline, while the second pocket is located on the garment on the other side of the vertical centerline. The first and second pockets are in a substantially symmetrical configuration about the vertical centerline, and the center pocket is substantially centered on the vertical centerline. The first and second pockets at least partially overlap the center pocket, and the pocket system looks from the back view like two pockets, according to such embodiments of the present invention.
US08312567B1
An athletic glove with an integral weight system is herein disclosed, comprising a plurality of pockets on the back of the glove which holds either sand or metal shot to add weight. The amount of weight will vary per glove model, but is envisioned to be approximately three (3) to five (5) pounds per glove, depending on user preference. The glove is secured around a wrist during use by a hook-and-loop fastener. The glove with the integral weight system is intended to strengthen the hand, arm and upper body areas during workouts, exercise or everyday activities. The glove is expected to be introduced in both right-hand and left-hand configurations and to be presented as a pair.
