US08513108B2
Some embodiments of the invention include a connecting structure between a support and at least one die attached to the support. The die includes a number of die bond pads on a surface of the die. The connecting structure includes a plurality of via and groove combinations. Conductive material is formed in the via and groove combinations to provide connection between the die bond pads and bond pads on the support. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08513102B2
The effects of random telegraph noise signal (RTS) or equivalently 1/f noise on MOS devices, circuits, and sensors is described. Techniques are disclosed for minimizing this RTS and low frequency noise by minimizing the number of ionized impurity atoms in the wafer, substrate, well, pillar, or fin behind the channel of the MOS transistors. This noise reduction serves to reduce the errors in devices, sensors, and analog integrated circuits and error rates in digital integrated circuits and memories.
US08513095B1
A method for manufacturing solar strips. The method includes providing a photovoltaic material including a back side region, a front side surface, and a plurality of photovoltaic strip regions separated by a plurality of scribe regions. A first portion of the photovoltaic material is supported while a second portion of the photovoltaic material including at least one of the photovoltaic strips is left unsupported. The method includes applying a predetermined force along a portion of the photovoltaic strip that remains unsupported to cause the photovoltaic strip to be separated from the supported photovoltaic material.
US08513092B2
A method for producing a stacked structure having an ultra thin buried oxide (UTBOX) layer therein by forming an electrical insulator layer on a donor substrate, introducing elements into the donor substrate through the insulator layer, forming an electrical insulator layer, on a second substrate, and bonding the two substrates together to form the stack, with the two insulator layers limiting the diffusion of water and forming the UTBOX layer between the two substrates at a thickness of less than 50 nm, wherein the donor oxide layer has, during bonding, a thickness at least equal to that of the bonding oxide layer.
US08513090B2
An object is to provide a novel manufacturing method of a semiconductor substrate containing silicon carbide, and another object is to provide a semiconductor device using silicon carbide. A semiconductor substrate is manufactured through the steps of: adding ions to a silicon carbide substrate to form an embrittlement region in the silicon carbide substrate; bonding the silicon carbide substrate to a base substrate with insulating layers interposed therebetween; heating the silicon carbide substrate and separating the silicon carbide substrate at the embrittlement region to form a silicon carbide layer over the base substrate with the insulating layers interposed between therebetween; and performing heat treatment on the silicon carbide layer at a temperature of 1000° C. to 1300° C. to reduce defects of the silicon carbide layer. A semiconductor device is manufactured using the semiconductor substrate formed as described above.
US08513076B2
A non-volatile memory device includes a peripheral circuit region and a cell region. A method for fabricating the non-volatile memory device includes forming gate patterns over a substrate, the gate pattern including a tunnel insulation layer, a floating gate electrode, a charge blocking layer and a control gate electrode, and removing the control gate electrode and the charge blocking layer of the gate pattern formed in the peripheral circuit region.
US08513074B2
Performance and/or uniformity of sophisticated transistors may be enhanced by incorporating a carbon species in the active regions of the transistors prior to forming complex high-k metal gate electrode structures. On the other hand, increased yield losses observed in conventional strategies may be reduced by taking into consideration the increased etch rate of the carbon-doped silicon material in the active regions. To this end, the carbon species may be incorporated after the application of at least some aggressive wet chemical processes.
US08513059B2
A method for making a premolded clip structure is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a first clip and a second clip, and forming a molding material around the first clip comprising a first surface and the second clip comprising a second surface. The first surface of the first clip structure and the second surface of the second clip structure are exposed through the molding material, and a premolded clip structure is then formed.
US08513055B2
System and methods for testing and/or training a subject's vision and coordination abilities are provided. More specifically, the method may include testing various aspects of the subject's vision and coordination abilities, such as eye-hand coordination, split attention, reaction time, body coordination, etc. By using various tests, an efficient examination may be administered. In accordance with the invention, an individual may be subjected to such a method of testing and/or training at a unitary center capable of presenting such tests to the individual, receiving input from the individual, and processing the received input. Such a unitary test center may further be configurable, so that the tests administered may vary based on the needs of the individual. The received input may then, for example, be used to compute data related to the user's vision and coordination abilities, both overall and for each individual test.
US08513039B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor lighting chip includes steps of: providing a substrate; forming a first etching layer on the substrate; forming a connecting layer on the first etching layer; forming a second etching layer on the connecting layer; forming a lighting structure on the second etching layer; and etching the first etching layer, the connecting layer, the second etching layer and the lighting structure, wherein an etching rate of the first etching layer and the second etching layer is lager than that of the connecting layer and the lighting structure, thereby to form the connecting layer and the lighting structure each with an inverted frustum-shaped structure.
US08513038B2
A method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescent device includes a step of forming a masking layer and an intermediate layer on a first organic compound layer such that the masking layer and the intermediate layer have a predetermined pattern, a step of patterning the first organic compound layer using the masking layer and the intermediate layer, a step of forming a second organic compound layer, and a step of removing the intermediate layer and the second organic compound layer formed thereon in such a manner that the intermediate layer is contacted with a dissolving liquid for dissolving the intermediate layer. In the method, the first and second organic compound layers are protected by covering the first and second organic compound layers with a sacrificial layer until the patterning of the first and second organic compound layers is completed.
US08513037B2
A method for integrating a slotted waveguide into a CMOS process is disclosed. A slot can be patterned on a SOI wafer by etching a first pad hard mask deposited over the wafer. The slot is then filled with a nitride plug material by depositing a second pad hard mask over the first pad hard mask. A waveguide in association with one or more electronic and photonic devices can also be patterned on the SOI wafer. The trenches can be filled with an isolation material and then polished. Thereafter, the first and second pad hard masks can be stripped from the wafer. The slot can once again be filled with the nitride plug material and patterned. After forming one or more electronic and photonic devices on the wafer using a standard CMOS process, a via can be opened down to the nitride plug and the nitride plug can then be removed.
US08513036B2
A photonic quantum ring (PQR) laser includes an active layer having a multi-quantum-well (MQW) structure and etched lateral face. The active layer is formed to be sandwiched between p-GaN and n-GaN layers epitaxially grown on a reflector disposed over a support substrate. A coating layer is formed over an outside of the lateral faces of the active layer, and upper electrode is electrically connected to an upper portion of the n-GaN layer, and a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) is formed over the n-GaN layer and the upper electrode. Accordingly, the PQR laser is capable of oscillating a power-saving vertically dominant 3D multi-mode laser suitable for a low power display device, prevent the light speckle phenomenon, and generate focus-adjusted 3D soft light.
US08513035B2
The present invention relates to illuminating field, especially relates to LED chip, LED and a method of manufacturing LED chip, the method of manufacturing LED chip comprises: forming a first semiconductor layer, a luminous layer and a second semiconductor layer sequentially on a substrate; forming a phosphor powder layer on the second semiconductor layer; removing a part of the phosphor powder layer and a part of the second semiconductor layer to form at least one groove which exposes a part of the second semiconductor layer; removing a part of the phosphor powder layer, a part of the second semiconductor layer, a part of the luminous layer and a part of the first semiconductor layer to form at least one unfilled corner which exposes a part of the first semiconductor layer; forming a first electrode in the unfilled corner, and forming a second electrode in the groove. In the present invention, the process of coating phosphor powder in manufacturing LED is brought into the course of LED chip manufacturing, the advantages of this procedure are simple, controllable, to improve the light extraction efficiency of LED, to save a lot of phosphor powder and to greatly reduce the cost.
US08513033B2
A design method of a semiconductor device includes setting an inspection region of layout data generated based on circuit data, calculating an area ratio of a first area to a second area, the first area indicating an area of the inspection region, the second area indicating a sum of a surface area of a plane that a first member contacts with a second member, the second member contacting with the first member constituting a circuit element included in the inspection region, the second member further having different heat reflective properties from the first member, and arranging a dummy element in the layout data so that the area ratio is within a predetermined range in each inspection region of the layout data.
US08513032B2
The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for affinity isolation, affinity purification and affinity assay based on microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. Particularly, the invention provides protein microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. In addition, the invention provides glass microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. Methods of using the microbubbles of the invention for isolating analytes and cells are specifically provided.
US08513029B2
The invention describes a family of sensors for assaying macro-molecules and/or biological cells in solution. Each sensor has the form of a well (a hollow cylinder having a floor but no lid) or a trench whose walls comprise a plurality of GMR or TMR devices. Suitably shaped magnets located below each well's floor pull labeled particles into the well/trench and up against the inner wall where a field gradient orients them for optimum detection. Any unattached labels that happen to also be in the well/trench are removed through suitably sized holes in the floor.
US08513014B2
Methods and apparatuses for using microfluidics to generate bubbles and using the generated bubbles to construct scaffolds and cell-holding structures for culturing biological samples or analytes. In one implementation, a scaffold for growing cells is provided to include a matrix of interconnected cavities formed from mixing a gas and a liquid containing a cross linkable material to produce a matrix of gas bubbles of substantially the same size and cross linking the cross linkable material to form a structure in which cells are grown. In another implementation, a scaffold apparatus for growing cells includes a ball of a cross linked material forming an exterior shell that encloses to form a hollow interior inside the ball and biological samples embedded in the external shell.
US08513013B2
In one embodiment, a monocyte derived bone-forming cell population is provided. In one embodiment, the cell population comprises an isolated monocyte cell population treated with an effective dose of LL-37. In another embodiment, a method of producing a population of monocyte-derived bone-forming cells is provided. The method comprises obtaining a blood sample from a subject; isolating a population of monocytes from the blood sample; treating the isolated monocytes with an effective dose of LL-37; and culturing the LL-37 treated monocytes until they differentiate into the population of monocyte-derived bone-forming cells. In another embodiment, a method of treatment for a bone injury or bone disease is provided. The method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition to a subject having the bone injury or disease, the composition comprising a population of monoosteophils.
US08513009B2
Synthetic surfaces suitable for culturing stem cell derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells contain acrylate polymers formed from one or more acrylate monomers. The acrylate surfaces, in many cases, are suitable for culturing stem cell derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in chemically defined media.
US08513005B2
The invention described here encompasses DNA and protein vaccines against poxviruses, and relevant immunogenic compositions, comprising at a minimum a nucleic acid encoding a modified full-length poxvirus L1R gene or its ortholog. The L1R gene is modified so that an endoplasmic reticulum-targeting sequence is operably linked on the 5′ end. Preferably the nucleic acid sequences for other poxviruses antigens are also included, such as A33R, B5R and/or A27L. These vaccines and compositions provide improved neutralizing antibody response elicited by molecular poxvirus vaccines, over known vaccines using unmodified L1R.
US08513002B2
Spectroscopic analysis systems and methods for analyzing samples are disclosed. An analysis system may contain an electromagnetic radiation source to provide radiation, a spectroscopic analysis chamber to perform a coherent Raman spectroscopy (e.g., stimulated Raman or coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy), and a radiation detector to detect radiation based on the spectroscopy. The chamber may have a resonant cavity to contain a sample for analysis, at least one window to the cavity to transmit the first radiation into the cavity and to transmit a second radiation out, a plurality of reflectors affixed to a housing of the cavity to reflect radiation of a predetermined frequency, the plurality of reflectors separated by a distance that is sufficient to resonate the radiation. The spectroscopic analysis system may be coupled with a nucleic acid sequencing system to receive a single nucleic acid derivative in solution and identify the derivative to sequence the nucleic acid.
US08512997B2
The present invention relates to a recombinant expression vector comprising: a) the sequence encoding a purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNPase, E. C. 2.4.2.1), b) the sequence encoding a uridine phosphorylase (UPase, E. C. 2.4.2.3), c) or both; each of the sequences operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the production of said phosphorylases in a suitable expression host; said sequences originating from the Archaea Thermoprotei class, characterized in that the PNPase is from Sulfolobus solfataricus (SEQ ID NO. 7) and the UPase is from Aeropyrum pernix (SEQ ID NO. 8). In addition, the present invention relates to A transglycosylation method between a sugar-donating nucleoside and an acceptor base in the presence of phosphate ions, characterised in that said method comprises the use of a uridine phosphorylase (UPase) of Aeropyrum pernix (NC_000854.2), a purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PN-Pase) of Sulfolobus solfataricus (NC_002754.1), or a combination thereof.
US08512986B2
The present invention relates to polypeptides comprising a carbohydrate-binding module amino acid sequence and an alpha-amylase amino acid sequence as well as to the application of such polypeptides.
US08512980B2
Polynucleotides and polypeptides relating to a recombinantly modified plasmin(ogen) molecule are provided. The plasmin(ogen) molecule has a single kringle domain N-terminal to the activation site present in the native human plasminogen molecule, combined such that no foreign sequences are present, and exhibits lysine-binding and significant enzymatic characteristics associated with the native enzyme.
US08512977B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products for the analysis of particle analyzer data are disclosed. One embodiment is a method of analyzing immature reticulocytes in a blood sample, including the steps of: preprocessing the blood sample; measuring the blood sample by a detection including a reticulocyte-maturity measurement and a light scatter measurement; analyzing blood cell distribution patterns to identify a set of reticulocyte events; differentiating immature reticulocytes from mature reticulocytes using the reticulocyte-maturity measurement and the light scatter measurement; and reporting immature reticulocytes. The immature reticulocyte fraction may be one aspect that is reported. Also another method is disclosed, having the steps of: measuring the blood sample by a detection comprising an axial light loss measurement; identifying a hard-to-ghost cell population based on the axial light loss measurement; filtering-out the hard-to-ghost cell population; and analyzing the event data to identify blood cell distribution patterns.
US08512974B2
The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics, and in particular to diagnostics based on a liquid crystal assay format. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystal assays for analyzing cell invasion.
US08512959B2
A method or platform for monoclonal antibody based biomarker discovery is disclosed. The method according to the invention provides for the integration of analyte collection, hybridoma screening and nanovolume integrated mass spectrometry (NVIMS) to achieve a robust screening system that is capable, for example, of cutting 4-6 years off of the classical biomarker discovery and development process. The invention provides a platform for the rapid, high-throughput production, isolation and characterization of, e.g., disease specific biomarkers together with highly specific monoclonal antibodies. The method of the invention has a variety of applications such as, but not limited to, drug testing, biohazard applications, ecological applications, physiological applications and/or pathology screening applications. The method of the invention is also capable of being performed or used as or with a high-throughput screening process or system of the invention.
US08512956B2
The present method provides methods, libraries, and kits related to the archiving and clonal amplification of sequences related to target polynucleotide sequences. The method allows for the generation and attachment of polynucleotides with defined 3′ and 5′ ends to solid surfaces. The polynucleotides attached to the solid substrates can be stored or archived as libraries and can subsequently be retrieved for analysis, for example by clonal amplification using a single composite amplification primer comprising a DNA portion and an RNA portion. In some embodiments, nucleotides attached to solid surfaces can be used for sequencing of nucleotide sequences related to the target DNA. The methods are applicable to total RNA and/or total DNA analysis.
US08512953B2
The invention provides methods for detecting target nucleic acid sequences with diagnostic probes including first and second probe regions that are substantially complementary to first and second target regions respectively on a target nucleic acid strand wherein the first probe region is located 5′ to the second probe region. The first probe region is substantially complementary to the first target region, on the target nucleic acid strand, which also includes a second target region, wherein when said first target region is contiguous with the second target region on the target nucleic acid strand, then the first and second probe regions on the diagnostic probe are separated by a spacer region of nucleic acid.
US08512949B2
Disclosed are: a method for using a particular microRNA as a biomarker for head-and-neck tumor; a method for the determination of head-and-neck tumor; a kit for the determination of head-and-neck tumor, and the like. The present invention is characterized in that at least one microRNA selected from the group of microRNAs consisting of miR-455-3p, miR-455-5p, miR-130b, miR-130b*, miR-801, miR-196a, miR-21, miR-31, miR-133b, miR-145 and miR-375 is used as a biomarker for head-and-neck tumor.
US08512947B2
Detection of miniscule amounts of nucleic acid is accomplished via binding of target nucleic acid to probe material, composed of nucleic acid, which is bound to a sensor configured to sense mass. The sensor is prepared by immobilizing a probe material to a surface of the sensor, wherein the probe material is known to bind to the target nucleic acid. The prepared sensor is exposed to the target nucleic acid. The target nucleic acid binds to the probe material. The mass accumulated on the sensor reflects the amount of target nucleic acid bound to the probe material.
US08512942B2
The disclosure provides methods of making a cell-containing product having a uniform amount of cells therein. The method comprises pooling red blood cells from a plurality of blood units, and inactivating any pathogen contained therein. A storage solution added to the cellular component results in a cell-containing product that is essentially pathogen and white blood cell free and has an extended shelf life of about 42 to about 100 days. The cell-containing product is further divided into units which comprise a uniform dose of RBCs per unit.
US08512941B2
Provided is a preservation solution for preserving biological material at low temperature including one or more polyphenols and a method for preservation of biological material, the method includes adding the preservation solution to biological material, cooling the biological material and storing it under appropriate storing conditions. The present method may be used for hypothermic preservation or for cryopreservation, including freezing and lyophilization, and may be used with any biological material, including cells selected from RBC, WBC, MNC, UCB MNC and bacteria. In the case of RBC, also disclosed is a method for its freezing such that upon thawing, the material has less than 2% free hemoglobin.
US08512936B2
Technologies are generally described for methods, systems, and structures that include patterns formed by optical lithography. In some example methods, a photoresist layer is applied to a substrate, and a graphene layer can be applied to the photoresist layer. Light can be applied through a mask to the graphene layer, where the mask includes a pattern. The light can form the pattern on the graphene layer such that the pattern forms on the photoresist layer.
US08512931B2
A toner comprising toner particles having at least one type of surface additive, the toner particles having an FPIA average circularity of at least 0.95, whereby at least 80% wt of the total amount of surface additives stays onto the surface of the toner particles when an ultrasonic treatment of 4500 to 4700 J/gram of toner is applied; a substrate printed or marked with the above-described toner; and a method for manufacturing a toner, said method including the steps of: mixing a binder resin, a colorant and optionally other additives, thereby forming a mixture, melting, kneading and milling said mixture, thereby obtaining a melted kneaded product, pulverizing said melted kneaded product, adding at least one surface additive before or while bringing the FPIA average circularity of said toner particles to 0.95 by modifying the shape or surface of said particles, wherein the total amount of surface additive does not exceed 2% wt of toner particles, whereby at least 80% wt of the total amount of surface additive stays on the surface of the toner particles when an ultrasonic treatment of 4500 to 4700 J/gram of toner is applied.
US08512930B2
A matte liquid toner suitable for use in a liquid toner printer, comprising a carrier liquid, toner particles comprising a resin and substantially uncolored additive particles of average diameter between 1 and 20 micrometers dispersed in the resin.
US08512929B2
A latent electrostatic image developing carrier including a carrier core material, and a coating layer containing a resin and provided on a surface of the carrier core material, wherein the coating layer includes a particulate material containing at least first fine conductive particles and second fine conductive particles, and wherein the first fine conductive particles and the second fine conductive particles satisfy the relationships expressed by Expressions 1 and 2, 3≦D1/D2≦15 . . . Expression 1, where D1 denotes a dispersed particle diameter of the first fine conductive particles and D2 denotes a dispersed particle diameter of the second fine conductive particles, and −7E≦R1×R2≦8E . . . Expression 2, where R1 denotes a powder specific resistance of the first fine conductive particles and R2 denotes a powder specific resistance of the second fine conductive particles.
US08512924B2
An electrophotographic photoreceptor, including an electroconductive substrate; a photosensitive layer; a crosslinked surface layer comprising α-alumina and tin oxide, wherein a first one-dimensional data array obtained from measuring a concavo-convex shape of the surface of the photoreceptor is subjected to a wavelet conversion to be separated into 6 frequency components, the one-dimensional data array of the lowest frequency component is further thinned so as to have 1/40 data arrays to obtain a second one-dimensional data array, the second one-dimensional data array is further subjected to the wavelet conversion to be separated into additional 6 frequency components, and wherein when relationships between respective arithmetic average roughness (WRa) (y-axis) of the 12 frequency components and the frequency components (x-axis) are graphed, at least WRa (214 to 551 μm) and WRa (26 to 106 μm) have a folding point or a maximum point.
US08512923B2
An electrophotographic photosensitive member is disclosed which has a change layer consisting of five or more a-SiC intermediate layers, provided between an a-Si photoconductive layer and an a-SiC surface layer. Where two layers contiguous to each other in which C/(Si+C) is from 0.35 to 0.65 are selected from among the a-SiC intermediate layers included in the change layer, the rate of increase between the C/(Si+C) of an a-SiC intermediate layer on the photoconductive layer side and the C/(Si+C) of an a-SiC intermediate layer on the surface layer side (i.e., the rate of increase between layers) is 19% or less.
US08512919B2
A surface manufactured using variable shaped beam (VSB) shots is disclosed, where either: 1) the left edge of a first VSB shot intersects the top edge of a second VSB shot, and the bottom edge of the first VSB shot intersects the right edge of the second VSB shot; or 2) the left edge of the first VSB shot intersects the bottom edge of a second VSB shot, and the top edge of the first VSB shot intersects the right edge of the second VSB shot; and where neither shot crosses a field boundary of the VSB charged particle beam writer.
US08512911B2
A fuel supply (1) including a cover (2) having an opening (8) for access to the fuel. The cover (2) includes a shutter (12) or similar element for closing off the opening (8) to increase the operational resistance to the insertion and/or removal of the fuel supply (1). In one embodiment, the cover (1) includes a support (6) with a rotatable cap (4), where the rotation of the cap causes the shutter (12) to open. In another embodiment, the cover includes a base and a slidable cap, where the slidable cap is the shutter. The shutter (12) may be manually actuated, mechanically actuated or electrically actuated. The cover (2) may be biased to the open position or to the closed position.
US08512902B2
A fuel cell stack comprising a fuel inlet and an oxidant inlet for allowing the supply of a fuel and an oxidant to the fuel cell stack, respectively, and a fuel outlet and an oxidant outlet for allowing the removal of an anode exhaust and a cathode exhaust from the fuel cell stack, respectively, wherein the fuel outlet is fluidly connected to a high frequency purge valve.
US08512896B2
An organic electrolytic solution and a lithium battery employing the same are provided. The organic electrolytic solution includes a lithium salt, an organic solvent containing a first solvent having a high dielectric constant and a second solvent having a low boiling point, and a surfactant including a hydrophobic portion having an aromatic group. The organic electrolytic solution effectively prevents the electrolytic solution from contacting the anode, thereby suppressing side reactions on the anode surface and improving discharge capacity, charge/discharge efficiency, lifespan, and battery reliability.
US08512890B2
Provided herein are prismatic cell assemblies having a continuous cooling channel therethrough. Methods of manufacture of the cell assembly are also provided, wherein each of a series of stacked substantially planar components selected from cathodes, separators, and anodes includes a through hole, and wherein the through holes are concentrically aligned with the adjacent component before securing the assembly using an elongated tube to form a continuous cooling channel through the components. The methods further include inserting the secured stacked components into a pouch having sidewall openings aligned with the continuous cooling channel, and sealing the sidewall openings so that the pouch can be filled with electrolyte without leaking any electrolyte into the cooling channel, or leaking through the pouch sidewall.
US08512888B2
The present invention provides a current collector, a battery including the current collector, which are capable of increasing energy density or output density and improving productivity or stability; it also provides a method for producing the current collector and a method for producing the battery. The current collector comprises: an insulating substrate; and electron-conducting portions respectively disposed on one face and the other face of the insulating substrate, at least two of the electron-conducting portions being disposed in a planar direction on the one face of the insulating substrate, the electron-conducting portions which is disposed on the other face of the insulating substrate being disposed in a manner to face at least one of the electron-conducting portions disposed on the one face of the insulating substrate so that the insulating substrate is interposed therebetween, and the electron-conducting portions disposed on the one face of the insulating substrate and the electron-conducting portions disposed on the other face of the insulating substrate, both of which face each other with the insulating substrate interposed therebetween, are connected to each other via electron conductors disposed in holes penetrating the insulating substrate.
US08512884B2
A perpendicular magnetic recording medium including at least a soft under layer, an orientation control layer, a magnetic recording layer and a protective layer on a non-magnetic substrate, wherein the orientation control layer is composed of three or more layers including a seed layer, a first intermediate layer and a second intermediate layer sequentially, formed in that order from the substrate side, the crystal grains that constitute the first intermediate layer are epitaxially grown on the crystal grains of the seed layer, the crystal grains that constitute the second intermediate layer are epitaxially grown on the crystal grains of the first intermediate layer, and the crystal grains that constitute the second intermediate layer are finer than the crystal grains that constitute the first intermediate layer.
US08512880B2
A material which can emit phosphorescence is disclosed. Further, a light-emitting element having good chromaticity is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention is an organometallic complex including a structure as represented by the general formula (1): wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; each of R2 to R5 represents any one of hydrogen, a halogen element, an acyl group, an alkyl group, an alkoxyl group, an aryl group, a cyano group, and a heterocyclic group; Ar represents an aryl group or a heterocyclic group, preferably, an aryl group having an electron withdrawing group or a heterocyclic group having an electron withdrawing group; and M represents a Group 9 element or a Group 10 element. By virtue that the Ar has an electron withdrawing group, an organometallic complex which emits phosphorescence with higher emission intensity can be obtained.
US08512879B2
A polymer useful in an optoelectronic device comprises structural unit of formula I: wherein R1 is, independently at each occurrence, a C1-C20 aliphatic radical, a C3-C20 aromatic radical, or a C3-C20 cycloaliphatic radical; a is, independently at each occurrence, an integer ranging from 0-4; Ar1 is aryl or heteroaryl; Ar2 is fluorene; R2 is alkylene, substituted alkylene, oxaalkylene, CO, or CO2; R3, R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylaryl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, substituted alkyl; substituted alkoxy, substituted alkylaryl, substituted aryl, substituted arylalkyl, or substituted heteroaryl; and L is derived from phenylpyridine, tolylpyridine, benzothienylpyridine, phenylisoquinoline, dibenzoquinozaline, fluorenylpyridine, ketopyrrole, 2-(1-naphthyl)benzoxazole)), 2-phenylbenzoxazole, 2 phenylbenzothiazole, coumarin, thienylpyridine, phenylpyridine, benzothienylpyridine, 3 methoxy-2-phenylpyridine, thienylpyridine, phenylimine, vinylpyridine, pyridylnaphthalene, pyridylpyrrole, pyridylimidazole, phenylindole, derivatives thereof or combinations thereof.
US08512876B2
An organic EL device is disclosed, which has an organic multilayer between a first electrode and a second electrode, the organic multilayer comprising a hole injection layer formed on the first electrode, and formed of a mixture of at least one selected from organic materials and at least one selected from inorganic materials; a hole transport layer having at least one layer on the hole injection layer; and an emitting layer formed on the hole transport layer.
US08512872B2
Metal and metal alloys with sealed anodic oxide coatings with at least partial crystallinity are disclosed. Associated articles are correspondingly disclosed. The sealed anodic coatings exhibit steam, superheated steam, alkaline and acidic resistance. The crystalline sealed anodic oxide coating can be prepared by impregnation of pores of a metal or metal substrate with metal precursor species, conversion of the metal precursor species into metal hydroxides, thermal treatment to dry out moisture and to promote phase transformation of the metal hydroxide product into metal oxides solids and bonding with metastable metal oxide substance in the pore structure of the metal or metal alloy substrate, and hydrothermal sealing, to create sealed anodic coating.
US08512868B2
A hybrid silicon wafer which is a silicon wafer having a structure wherein the main plane orientation of polycrystalline silicon that is prepared by a unidirectional solidification/melting method is (311), and monocrystalline silicon is embedded in the polycrystalline silicon. The hybrid silicon wafer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the purity of the polycrystalline silicon portion excluding gas components is 6N or higher, the total amount of metal impurities is 1 wtppm or less, and, among the metal impurities, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Al are respectively 0.1 wtppm or less. Thus, a hybrid silicon wafer having the functions of both a polycrystalline silicon wafer and a monocrystalline silicon wafer is provided and the occurrence of polish bumps and macro-sized unevenness between the polycrystalline silicon and the monocrystalline silicon are prevented.
US08512858B2
A housing includes a substrate and a nano-composite layer deposited on the substrate. The nano-composite layer includes a number of metal oxide nitride layers and a number of Ce layers. Each metal oxide nitride layer alternates with a Ce layer, and the outermost nano-composite layer is a metal oxide nitride layer. The metal in the metal oxide nitride layer aluminum, titanium, silicon, chromium, or zirconium.
US08512855B2
A self-cleaning member comprising a member having a porous surface is disclosed. The member has a contact angle hysteresis Δθ (=θa−θr), which is a difference between an advancing contact angle θa and a receding contact angle θr measured by a dynamic contact angle measurement with an extension/contraction method, of 80 degree or more at the surface layer and a receding contact angle θr of 25 degree or less, is capable of forming a water film on the surface by water provided and of allowing an ionic or reactive contaminant to be washed away without fixation.
US08512852B2
Provided is a polylactic acid resin composition useful as a molding material and a packaging material. The polylactic acid resin composition comprises a resin composition (l) comprising poly-L-lactic acid having an L-isomer content of 90-100 mol % as the main component and a resin composition (d) comprising poly-D-lactic acid having a D-isomer content of 90-100 mol % as the main component, the resin compositions (l) and (d) having been alternately stacked so that each layer has a thickness of 0.01-2.5 μm. The polylactic acid resin composition has specific thermal properties, can be used at high temperatures even after high-temperature melt molding, and can give molded polylactic acid articles having excellent suitability for various kinds of processing, such as printing, and having excellent transparency, etc. Also provided is a stretched polylactic acid resin film obtained by heating the polylactic acid resin composition to 280° C. or higher, subsequently cooling the composition, thereafter forming the polylactic acid resin composition into a film, and then stretching the film in at least one direction. This film can be used at high temperatures and has excellent suitability for various kinds of processing, excellent transparency, etc.
US08512850B2
A method of making a corrugating linerboard includes supplying a web of coated linerboard having a first side, a second side and a thickness defined by a distance between the first side and the second side, the first side being coated with a moisture-repellant material; and impregnating the coated linerboard with a hydrophobic material from the second side such that the hydrophobic material penetrates into the thickness of the coated linerboard.
US08512844B2
A tufted nonwoven with improved stitch holding, a bonded nonwoven and methods for their manufacture are described. The tufted nonwoven with improved stitch holding comprises a face material which tufts a bonded nonwoven comprising a mixture of a plurality of bicomponent filaments 1 with a plurality of bicomponent filaments 2 wherein iα) at least bicomponent filaments 1 exhibit a core/sheath geometry wherein component 11 represents the core and component 12 represents the sheath or iβ) at least bicomponent filaments 1 exhibit a side by side geometry wherein component 11 represents side 1 and component 12 represents side 2 or iγ) at least bicomponent filaments 1 exhibit an islands in the sea geometry wherein component 11 represents the islands and component 12 represents the sea ii) the component 11 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(11) and the component 22 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(22), iii) the component 12 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(12), the component 21 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(21) and Tm(12) is higher than Tm(21) and iv) the melting temperatures of both component 11 and 22 and the melting temperatures of components 12 and 21 obey to the relation both Tm(11) and Tm(22)>Tm(12)>Tm(21) an wherein the face material is bonded to bicomponent filaments 1 and 2 by a solidified melt of components 12 and 21.
US08512841B2
A closure strip, for use with a corrugated material, includes an elongated flat thermoplastic sheet member and a plurality of thermoplastic undulations. The elongated flat thermoplastic sheet member has a bottom surface and an opposite top surface. The elongated flat thermoplastic sheet member defines a plurality of linearly disposed and spaced apart openings therethrough. A plurality of thermoplastic undulations is complimentary in shape to the corrugated material. Each undulation extends upwardly from the flat thermoplastic sheet member and defines a void that opens to a different one of the openings defined by the flat thermoplastic sheet member.
US08512835B2
A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components with one of the plurality of vehicle treatment components including at least one support member. The at least one support member has an exterior surface. A shrinkable sleeve is sized to fit over the exterior surface of the at least one support member. The shrinkable sleeve is slid onto the at least one support member and located in a predetermined position around the exterior surface. Upon application of heat to the shrinkable sleeve, it shrinks and conforms to the shape of the exterior surface of the at least one support member such that it is fixedly attached to the exterior surface of the at least one support member in the predetermined position. The result is a protective covering for the support member that is durable and readily cleanable such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of the covering and corrosion of the support member is minimized.
US08512829B2
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to metal-inclusive edge seal designs for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or methods of making the same. First and second substantially parallel spaced-apart glass substrates, including edge portions thereof, are provided. At least one metal-inclusive edge-sealing strip is located proximate to the edge portions of the first and second substrates, getter being applied to at least a portion of at least some of the edge-sealing strips, and the at least one edge-sealing strip being selected so as to have a coefficient of thermal expansion over a temperature range of interest within about 25% of a coefficient of thermal expansion of the first and second substrates, the temperature range of interest being from about −40° C. to about 50° C. The first and second substrates are sealed together proximate to the edge portions thereof with the at least one edge-sealing strip via an edge-sealing material provided to the at least one edge-sealing strip and/or the first and second glass substrates.
US08512824B2
A composition includes at least one organic compound of a first type of the general formula I and at least one organic compound of a second type of the general structural formula II, wherein Core in formula I is a conjugated organic unit capable of forming a rigid rod-like macromolecule, Gk is a set of ionogenic side-groups providing solubility of the organic compound of the first type in a solvent and give rigidity to the rod-like macromolecule; and wherein Sys in formula II is an at least partially conjugated substantially planar polycyclic molecular system capable of forming board-like supramolecules via π-π-interaction, and X, Y, Z and Q are substituents. The composition is capable of forming a lyotropic liquid crystal solution, which can form a solid retardation layer of biaxial type substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectral range. The type and degree of biaxiality of the said optical retardation layer is controlled by a molar ratio of the organic compounds of the first and the second type in the composition. An optical film comprising a solid retardation layer formed of the composition, a method of producing the optical film, and a vertical alignment liquid crystal display using said retardation layer are also provided.
US08512822B2
The present invention relates to a retardation film, a method for manufacturing the same, and a liquid crystal display device including the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a retardation film that includes 1) an acryl-based film, and 2) a coating layer of a negative C type material, the retardation film according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be applied to an IPS (in-plane switching) mode liquid crystal display, and it is possible to control a ratio of an in-plane retardation value and a thickness retardation value of the retardation film.
US08512821B2
The invention is to provide an AM device containing a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding at least two of the characteristics, and having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth, where the liquid crystal display device contains the liquid crystal composition that includes a specific compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a first component and having positive dielectric anisotropy.
US08512820B2
Ionic mesogenic compounds of formula (I) can be used to form liquid crystal displays, such as ferroelectric liquid crystal displays, having enhanced anti-image sticking properties. The mesogenic compounds may contain a cationic group such as an ammonium or phosphonium group bonded to an alkyl chain that is terminally bonded to a para-substituted pyrimidyl benzene moiety. The counterion can be an organic or inorganic anion. The compounds can be used either as dopants in art ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions to reduce image sticking, or can be used as the primary or predominant component of a liquid crystal display system. Additional compounds, devices, and methods are disclosed.
US08512817B2
A method of forming a lyophobic coating on a surface having oxidized groups is disclosed. The method includes bringing into contact with the surface a silane or siloxane having the formula SiX4 wherein each X is the same or different, wherein at least one X is a leaving group and at least one X is a lyophobic group.
US08512812B2
An aqueous dispersion used for producing a conductive film is provided. The dispersion contains a complex of poly(3,4-dialkoxythiophene) and a polyanion, and is produced by polymerizing 3,4-dialkoxythiophene in an aqueous solvent in the presence of the polyanion by using peroxodisulfuric acid as an oxidizing agent or by using an oxidizing agent and an acid that is employed so as to lower pH of the reaction mixture.
US08512795B2
The invention relates to a hydrophilic coating formulation which when cured results in a hydrophilic coating, wherein the hydrophilic coating formulation comprises a copolymeric polyelectrolyte. The invention further relates to a hydrophilic coating, a lubricious coating, use of a copolymeric polyelectrolyte in a lubricious coating, an article, a medical device or component and a method of forming on a substrate a hydrophilic coating.
US08512794B2
An edible composition for ingestion by mammals, especially by humans, that includes a fat-based blend containing: (a) at least one triglyceride-based fat, (b) a low level of diglycerides, for example, less than 3% by weight of diglycerides, e.g., diacylglycerol (DAG), and (c) at least 2% and in some instances at least 5% by weight of a mixture of fatty acid Ester Phytosterols (EPs), in which at least 65% by weight of the fatty acid EPs are Monounsaturated (oleate)-Ester Phytosterols (MEPs), and less than 20% by weight of the fatty acid EPs are Polyunsaturated (linoleate+alpha-linolenate)-Ester Phytosterols (PEPs). The increased proportion of MEPs and decreased proportions PEPs and diglycerides substantially increase the oxidative stability index (OSI), shelf life, and health benefits of the above mixture of fatty acid EPs, while providing an advantageous melting temperature and desirable mouth feel for this mixture of fatty acid EPs.
US08512793B2
A free-flowing cellulosic substrate, such as rice hulls, can be impregnated with desired liquid flavoring agents to create a free-flowing flavoring composition for brewed beverages such as coffee and tea. The flavoring composition can be added to ground roasted coffee or prepared tea leaves in a brew filter device such as a paper filter, French press, percolator, vacuum pot or any other mechanical filtering device intended to brew coffee or tea. The flavor-impregnated substrate will release the desired flavors in contact with water during the brew process, imparting flavor to the finished coffee or tea beverage.
US08512786B2
The present invention relates to a method and a machine for stoning mangoes. The method includes a stage of blocking the mango fruit frontally of a cutting blade (3), which performs a first cut below the stone and a second cut above the stone; the cuts, performed with the same or with different blades, intersects a whole length in a longitudinal direction of the fruit and are performed by thrust-insertion of a cutting blade in the longitudinal direction of the stone. The machine for implementing the method includes one or more work stations (6, 7, 8, 9), each of which includes at least a blocking group (10) which blocks the fruit in a desired position thereof; at least a station includes a blade (3) with a shaped cutting profile which is provided with straight motion and performs the cuts envisaged by the method; sliding means (11) are provided to cause the straight motion of the blade.
US08512785B2
In order to specify a device (1) and a method for the micro-particulation of filtration residues comprising a mechanical treatment and a heat treatment, in particular of whey proteins in ultra-filtration whey concentrates, which in each case permit a particularly high yield of particles in a preselectable size range in a manner which spares resources, it is suggested to provide a separate heat treatment device (5) as well as a separate mechanical treatment device (9) or for the heat treatment and the mechanical treatment to be carried out separately from one another with respect to space and time.
US08512780B2
Disclosed are packaging systems and methods useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.
US08512779B2
A process for coating food products, characterized in that the products are coated before they are cooked with an aqueous coating composition including a modified legume starch having an amylose content of less than 40%.
US08512777B2
The present invention relates to cereal products comprising cereals and isomaltulose, methods for their production, and the use of isomaltulose for the production of cereal products.
US08512770B2
The present invention comprises an all-natural composition of matter and methods of delivering nutrients, medicines, pain relievers, antioxidants, antidotes, antibiotics and various active ingredients and supplements directly to the affected area of the body. The all-natural carrier composition consists essentially of the combination of a natural oil, water, salt(s), natural emulsifier, natural sugar(s), plant extracts, natural acid(s), starch and natural flavor(s). The active substances that are mixed with the all-natural carrier composition, include, but are not limited to, drugs, vitamins, minerals, antibiotics anti-fungal agents, antioxidants, diuretics, allergy medicines, anti-inflammatory agents, muscle relaxers, pain reducers, diabetic drugs, neuropathy drugs, chemotherapy agents, arthritis drugs, lotions for eczema, shingles, psoriasis, skin rash; herbal medicines, erectile dysfunction drugs, hormones, cholesterol drugs, essential fatty acids, and the like. The all-natural carrier composition facilitates the penetration of active substances into the dermal layer of the skin.
US08512763B2
The present invention relates to combinations of 4-bromo-2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, or a salt thereof, and copper or zinc compounds which provide an improved protecting effect against fouling organisms. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions comprising a combination of 4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, or a salt thereof, together with one or more copper or zinc compounds selected from Cu2O, Cu(OH)2, CuSO4, copper pyrithione, CuSCN, CuCO3, ZnO, ZnCl2, ZnSO4, zineb, and zinc pyrithione; in respective proportions to provide a synergistic effect against fouling organisms and the use of these compositions for protecting materials against fouling organisms. This invention thus relates to the field of protection of materials, such as underwater objects, protection of wood, wood products, biodegradable materials and coatings.
US08512758B2
A powder composition, includes: (A) an oil-soluble antioxidant substance powder; (B) a water-soluble antioxidant substance powder; and (C) at least one of zinc, selenium, manganese and copper.
US08512756B2
Collagen compositions, methods for preparing those collagen compositions, and graft compositions formed from those collagen compositions are provided. In particular, methods of isolating collagen that exhibits an enhanced rate of polymerization and enhanced microstructural and mechanical properties upon polymerization, such collagen compositions, and graft compositions formed from such collagen compositions are provided.
US08512748B2
The invention is directed to a pharmaceutical controlled release system for administration, particularly oral administration, of active substances with pH-dependent solubilities, comprising a) a core material containing or consisting of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable pH modifiers; b) optionally an insulating layer, c) a first layer containing or consisting of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable water-insoluble polymers; d) a second layer containing or consisting of at least one active substance having a pH-dependent solubility; e) a third layer containing or consisting of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable polymers having anionic or no ionic groups; and f) optionally a fourth layer, preferably in form of an outer coating layer. It is provided a pH-independent release profile of active substances having pH-dependent solubilities in vitro and vivo.
US08512736B2
Biodegradable coatings and articles that include natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The coatings and articles are formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups.
US08512734B2
A coated implantable medical device is described, wherein the coating comprises a coating matrix and particles of one or more molecular sieves, preferably zeolite of zeogrid particles, optionally loaded with one or more bioactive agents. The coating matrix itself can function as a second drug-carrying interface. The coating comprising the molecular sieve material has an excellent biocompatibility and allows suitable drug delivery into the body of an animal, preferably a mammal and most preferably a human.
US08512727B2
The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate compositions comprising meloxicam. The meloxicam particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm.
US08512722B2
The disclosure provides methods and materials suitable for preparing coating layers on substrates. The coatings comprise quaternary amine groups and therefore impart anti-bacterial properties to the substrate. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided a quaternary amine-containing polymeric coating comprising propylene and ethylene repeat units.
US08512715B2
A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.
US08512714B2
Strict anaerobic thermophilic bacterium belonging to the group of Thermoanaerobacter mathranii and mutants and derivatives thereof. The bacterium is particularly suitable for the production of fermentation products such as ethanol, lactic acid, acetic acid and hydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass.
US08512710B2
The present invention provides new compositions and methods for preventing and treating pathogen infection. In particular, the present invention provides compounds having an anchoring domain that anchors the compound to the surface of a target cell, and a therapeutic domain that can act extracellularly to prevent infection of a target cell by a pathogen, such as a virus. The present invention also comprises therapeutic compositions having sialidase activity, including protein-based compounds having sialidase catalytic domains. Compounds of the invention can be used for treating or preventing pathogen infection, and for treating and reducing allergic and inflammatory responses. The invention also provides compositions and methods for enhancing transduction of target cells by recombinant viruses. Such compositions and methods can be used in gene therapy.
US08512706B2
The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising F(ab′)2 antibody fragments that are preferably free from albumin and of whole antibodies and also substantially free of pyrogens, and an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. It is also directed to a method for the production of a pharmaceutical composition comprising F(ab′)2 antibody fragments using scrum or blood plasma of a mammal that has been previously immunized as a source of antibodies. The serum or blood plasma is digested with an enzyme pepsin, followed by separation and purification until the pharmaceutical composition of F(ab′)2 fragments is free of albumin and complete antibodies, and substantially free of pyrogens.
US08512695B2
The present invention provides polymers for use in preventing damage to the membranes of cells in fat grafts. Mixing of a triblock copolymer such as poloxymer P188 with adipocytes or adipose tissue to be transplanted into a subject is thought to stabilize the membranes of the cells leading to more successful fat transplantation in soft tissue reconstruction or augmentation. Such methods may also be used in the transplantation of adult stem cells or other cells derived from fat tissue. Other agents such as lipoic acid may also be added to the polymer/cell compositions for cell transplantation.
US08512688B2
A process for preparing a formulation comprising a complex comprising an effective amount of ferrous iron bound to a pharmaceutically acceptable cationic resin and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is described. Such a formulation may optionally include other desirable dietary supplements including, e.g., vitamins, omega fatty acids, and/or fluoride. The formulation is particularly well adapted for pediatric use, but is also useful for use in adult populations.
US08512687B2
Oil-in-water emulsion including a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a quaternary ammonium halide useful for the prevention and treatment of inflammation in the eye, and process for manufacturing thereof.
US08512682B2
An anti cavity bioconsumable liquid which may be provided in the liquid form or frozen form is disclosed herein. The liquid may include up to about 5 wt. % xylitol for the purposes of mitigating tooth decay when the bioconsumable liquid is ingested or consumed by a person. Moreover, the bioconsumable liquid may include up to about 5 wt. % of dextrose but never more than the wt. % of xylitol for the purposes of sweetening the bioconsumable liquid to retain an acceptable flavor profile. An infant, child or adult may consume the bioconsumable liquid during which the xylitol acts to mitigate tooth decay. The bioconsumable liquid may also be frozen in an ice pop configuration and consumed by a child or an adult. The ice pop retains an acceptable flavor profile and also mitigates tooth decay.
US08512681B2
The invention relates to a chewing gum possessing tooth cleaning effects, excluding the tooth brush abrasive effect, which chewing gum when chewed on a daily basis as a tooth cleaning agent is capable of replacing the daily tooth brushing, whereby abrasive cleaning damages on teeth side surfaces and gingiva are avoided.
US08512679B2
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to thermostable storage of one or more therapeutic agents, including at least one detectable indicator. In an embodiment, the one or more therapeutic agents including at least one detectable indicator are included in at least one glassy substance. Also disclosed are embodiments relating to delivery devices for administration of the thermostable therapeutic agents.
US08512674B1
Disclosed is a method for preparing molecular sieve SSZ-23 using a mixture of an N,N,N-trialkyl adamantammonium cation structure directing agent and an N,N′-dialkyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane dication.
US08512672B2
Provided are a method for preparing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and a method for preparing ZnO nanofluid using the same. The method for preparing ZnO nanoparticles includes: a) heating deionized water; b) dissolving zinc (Zn) salt in the deionized water to prepare a precursor solution; c) adding solid alkali salt to the precursor solution to prepare a dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles; and d) separating the ZnO nanoparticles by solid-liquid separation and washing them with deionized water. Highly pure, crystalline ZnO nanoparticles with spherical shape and very narrow particle size distribution of 10 to 50 nm can be prepared quickly and at large scale and low cost using inexpensive materials via a stable low-temperature process, without using a dispersant. The associated low-temperature, normal-pressure process produces few harmful materials and may be easily employed for production of ZnO nanoparticles.
US08512668B2
To provide a method for separating metallic CNT and semiconducting CNT by treating a CNT-containing gel or a CNT dispersion as combined with a gel, according to a physical separation means to thereby make semiconducting CNT exist in gel and metallic CNT exist in solution, in which the semiconducting CNT adsorbed by gel are collected in a more simplified manner not dissolving the gel.A CNT-containing gel or a CNT dispersion combined with a gel is treated according to a physical separation means of a centrifugal method, a freezing squeezing method, a diffusion method or a permeation method, to thereby make semiconducting CNT exist in gel and metallic CNT exist in solution so that the metallic CNT and the semiconducting CNT are separated from each other, and further, a suitable eluent is made to react on the gel that adsorbs semiconducting CNT to elute the semiconducting CNT from the gel.
US08512665B2
The present invention relates to a process for the production of nanoparticles or nanostructured particles with the help of a 2-emulsion method, particles being produced through targeted coalescence of miniemulsions in a high-pressure homogenized.
US08512663B2
In one aspect, the invention includes a refractory material for a pyrolysis reactor for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock, the refractory material comprising an yttria stabilized zirconia, the refractory material comprising at least 21 wt. % yttria based upon the total weight of the refractory material. In another aspect, this invention includes a method for mitigating carbide corrosion while pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock at high temperature using a pyrolysis reactor system comprising the steps of: (a) providing a pyrolysis reactor system comprising stabilized zirconia in a heated region of the reactor, the stabilized zirconia including at least 21 wt. % yttria and having porosity of from 5 vol. % to 28 vol. %; (b) heating the heated region to a temperature of at least 1500° C.; and (c) pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock within the heated region.
US08512656B2
Regenerator and process for regenerative thermal oxidation of offgases comprising halooganosilocon compounds in which offgases are heated in the regenerator, fed to an oxidation zone present in the regenerator to oxidize the haloorganosilicon compounds to SiO2 and hydrogen halides which form a flue gas which is then cooled in the generator to a temperature below its acid dew point and is discharged.
US08512654B2
A method for synthesizing strontium cerate (SrCeO3) nanoparticles is disclosed. Initially, ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate ((NH4)2Ce(NO3)6) and n-butanol (C4H10O) are reacted to synthesize cerium-n-butoxide (Ce(OBu)4). Next, the cerium-n-butoxide, strontium acetate (Sr(CH3COO)2), and stearic acid (C18H36O2) are reacted to form a homogenous product including the strontium cerate nanoparticles. Finally, the strontium cerate nanoparticles are isolated from the homogenous product.
US08512652B2
The present invention relates to an improved microplate which is constructed of at least one frame part and at least one bottom part, where the bottom part has a maximum thickness of 500 μm.
US08512639B2
The present application provides a channel substrate having a channel provided therein and includes a plurality of detection portions configured to detect a specimen in the channel using an optical device, an introducing portion configured to introduce the specimen into the channel, and a discharging portion configured to discharge the specimen from the channel. The detection portions have, on at least one of the opposite faces of the channel substrate, detection portion surfaces which have distances different from each other to the channel.
US08512637B2
A device for receiving a sample carrier is provided. The device includes an opening for receiving part of the sample carrier and a cutter for removing a part of the sample carrier. The cutter is coupled to a lid, which is movable to allow the cutter to make an incision in the sample carrier and, at the same time, to close at least part of the opening left open after receipt of the sample carrier. The disclosure further relates to a system comprising such a device and a method for operating such a device.
US08512635B2
This invention relates to a vapor or liquid phase reagent dispensing apparatus having a metal seal aligned and in contact with hardened opposing flat surfaces of a top wall member and a protuberance on a side wall member, wherein the hardened opposing flat surfaces of the top wall member and the protuberance have a hardness greater than the hardness of the metal seal. The apparatus also has a temperature sensor and a source chemical level sensor extending through a centrally located portion of the top wall member and generally vertically downwardly to a sump cavity centrally located on a bottom wall member. The dispensing apparatus may be used for dispensing of reagents such as precursors for deposition of materials in the manufacture of semiconductor materials and devices.
US08512631B2
The present invention relates to sanitization devices and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods that significantly reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria and/or other microorganisms from objects such as bags, purses, footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet, hands, paws, hooves or other anatomical surfaces, which come into contact with them. The device and method uses germicidal radiation which exposes only the areas of the object that come into applied contact with the device. A top platform of the devices may be in a tilted position when not in uses.
US08512624B2
A manufacturing process for a bicycle hub includes steps of preparing dry carbon fiber fabric, covering around inner tube, placing in upper and lower molds, injecting adhesive into the upper and lower molds, and forming by heating and pressurizing. Because the manufacturing process uses tubular dry carbon fiber fabric to form a hub shell, the manufacturing process is simple and the produced hub has few defects. Thus, the production rate and product stability are enhanced.
US08512620B2
A method of manufacturing a component from a composite-fiber-material semifinished product includes providing a forming support having a contour including at least one section corresponding to a surface of the manufactured component. The semifinished product is placed onto the forming support and the semifinished product is formed such that the semifinished product contacts the forming support. Further, a device form manufacturing component includes the forming support having the contour including at least one section corresponding to the surface of the manufacture component.
US08512617B2
A composite golf club shaft having a reinforcing ribbon of composite material spiraling along an intermediate portion of the shaft and bonded thereto to reinforce the hoop strength of the shaft. The ribbon is shaped into a rib of different cross-sectional shapes, the preferred embodiment being a thin rectangular shape approximately 0.125 wide of an inch and spiraling at a rate of four turns per inch, producing a groove of equal width. The methods of the invention produces the shaft by providing a mandrel having the outside shape desired for the shaft's inside surface; wrapping a ribbon of reinforcing material around the shaft in a spiral groove therein; forming the shaft body around the mandrel; and separating the mandrel from the shaft after curing, by unscrewing the mandrel.
US08512598B2
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal compound for liquid crystal display. More particularly, the present invention provides a vinylcyclohexylbenzene, its derivatives and the preparation method thereof where the present invention produces only trans-isomer by using Heck coupling reaction instead of Wittig reaction in the introduction to ethenyl group in the central backbone in the preparation process of intermediate. The liquid crystal compound can make the liquid crystal composition have a wide mesophase range and low viscosity.
US08512597B2
A polymerizable optically-active imide compound represented by the following general formula (I). Preferable among the polymerizable optically-active imide compound are compounds wherein X3 and X4 in general formula (I) are both —CO—, compounds wherein the rings A2 and A3 in general formula (I) are both naphthalene rings, compounds wherein the rings A1, A2, A3, and A4 are all benzene rings, compounds wherein M1 and M2 in general formula (I) are both hydrogen atoms, or compounds wherein rings A1 and A4, as well as rings A2 and A3, in general formula (I) are the same ring, the groups M1 and M2, X1 and X6, X2 and X5, as well as X3 and X6 are the same group in each pair, and n and m are the same number.
US08512590B2
A method for producing a sintered ferrite magnet having an M-type ferrite structure and represented by: Ca1−x−yRxBayFe2n-zCoz, (by atomic ratio), where 0.3≦1−x−y≦0.65, 0.2≦x≦0.65, 0.001≦y≦0.2, 0.03≦z≦0.65, 4≦n≦7, and 1−x−y>y. The method includes mixing a Ca compound, an R element compound, a Ba compound, an iron compound and a Co compound as starting materials; calcining the starting materials to obtain calcined bodies; pulverizing the calcined bodies to obtain a calcined powder; providing recycled materials having an M-type ferrite structure and being represented by the above formula; pulverizing the recycled materials to obtain a recycled material powder; mixing the recycled material powder with the calcined powder to form a moldable material; molding the moldable material to obtain green bodies; and sintering the green bodies to obtain the sintered ferrite magnet.
US08512583B2
A method for making a master disk to be used in the nanoimprinting process to make patterned-media disks uses an electrically conductive substrate and guided self-assembly of a block copolymer to form patterns of generally radial lines and/or generally concentric rings of one of the block copolymer components. A metal is electroplated onto the substrate in the regions not protected by the lines and/or rings. After removal of the block copolymer component, the remaining metal pattern is used as an etch mask to fabricate either the final master disk or two separate molds that are then used to fabricate the master disk.
US08512582B2
A method of patterning a substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes forming a plurality of openings within at least one of photoresist and amorphous carbon. The openings are of common outermost cross sectional shape relative one another. Individual of the openings have at least one lateral open dimension having a degree of variability among the plurality. The photoresist with the plurality of openings is exposed to/treated with a plasma effective to both increase the lateral open size of the openings and at least reduce the degree of variability of said at least one open dimension among the openings. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US08512569B2
Fluid filtration articles, including composite nonwoven fibrous webs, and methods of making and using such articles as gas or liquid filtration elements. The articles include a population of coarse microfibers having a population median diameter of at least 1 micrometer (μm) formed as a first layer, and a population of fine fibers having a population median diameter less than 10 μm formed as a second layer adjoining the first layer. At least one of the fiber populations may be oriented. In one implementation, the coarse microfibers and fine fibers are polymeric, the coarse microfibers have a population median diameter of at least 10 μm, and the fine fibers have a population median diameter less than 10 μm. In another implementation, the population of fine fibers has a population median diameter less than 1 μm. Optionally, one or both of the first and second layers may include particulates.
US08512568B2
A method of cleaning a membrane filtration module (6), the module (6) including at least one membrane (8) located in a feed-containing vessel (7), the membrane (8) having a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall. The method comprising the steps of: suspending the filtration operation; performing a cleaning process on the membrane wall to dislodge contaminant matter therefrom into liquid surrounding the membrane (8); performing a high velocity sweep of the feed-containing vessel (7) to remove the liquid containing the dislodged contaminant matter; and recommencing the filtration operation. An improved gas scouring method is also disclosed.
US08512561B2
The water aerator using a compressed gas container is a self-contained unit having a float and a container of compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen, etc.) installed beneath a perforated diffuser plate that, in turn, is positioned below the float. High-pressure gas from the container flows through a pipe or tube to a regulator valve and pressure gauge at the top of the pipe. A larger diameter low-pressure pipe or tube is placed concentrically about the high-pressure pipe. Regulated low-pressure gas flows down through the outer low-pressure pipe to a dispensing nozzle below the diffuser plate, whereupon the gas flows upward and is broken up by the perforations in the diffuser plate to form smaller aeration bubbles. An electrical power source, pressure switch, and light may be provided to indicate when the compressed gas container is depleted. The device may be motorized.
US08512560B2
A filter press includes a press frame containing side beams (2) to support filter plates (17) movably along the longitudinal axis of the side beams (2). The filter plates (17) are oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the side beams (2) and connected to one another. A pressure plate (4) can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the side beams (2) by a pushing or pulling device, and which presses the filter plates of the sliding carriage (3) against one another during the filtration process. The pushing or pulling device is mounted on a sliding carriage (3) that can be moved on the side beams (2) along the longitudinal axis of the side beams (2) by a drive unit mounted on the sliding carriage (3).
US08512557B2
Provided is a radon reduction apparatus for groundwater disinfection. The radon reduction apparatus includes an agitation space forming body that groundwater fed through a groundwater feed pipe passes through before inflow into the groundwater storage tank and that forms a water turbine installation space whose top portion is not filled with groundwater; a water turbine located in the water turbine installation space to be rotated by groundwater when the fed groundwater falls, is run against the bottom and scattered; an oxygen supply unit supplying oxygen to groundwater before inflow of the groundwater to the agitation space forming body; a ventilating fan rotated by receiving rotary power of the water turbine and connected to the water turbine installation space to discharge air of the water turbine installation space; and an antiseptic solution supply unit supplying antiseptic solution to be mixed with the groundwater.
US08512551B2
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for coal liquefaction and obtaining a cement by-product. A method of obtaining a cement by-product of coal liquefaction may include exposing a coal to a hydrogenated vegetable oil in the presence of a coal-derived solvent to form a slurry, elevating the temperature of the slurry to facilitate liquefying the coal and liberating a volatile matter, separating the insoluble components from the slurry, heating the insoluble components to liberate a volatile matter and an entrained solvent, blending the insoluble components with a calcareous material and roasting the blend in a kiln at a temperature greater than 1000 degrees Celsius to obtain a clinker, and grinding the clinker to obtain a cement.
US08512537B2
Various embodiments provide, for example, buffer compositions and/or sieving formulations useful in connection with electrophoresis instruments, such as capillary electrophoresis (CE) devices. In various embodiments, a buffer composition can include Bis-Tris, TAPS and/or TAPSO, and, optionally, a chelating agent, such as EDTA. Methods of separating samples containing bio-molecules, such as DNA or RNA, are also described.
US08512534B2
Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme based electrochemical sensors. In such instances, transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor. The transition metal complexes include at least one substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand and may further include a second substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand or a substituted or unsubstituted bipyridine or pyridylimidazole ligand. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.
US08512532B2
The present invention relates to a reaction film formulation used in the preparation of a non-enzymatic whole blood uric acid detecting electrode strip, which comprises an electron mediator, a water-soluble polymer carrier, and a volatile organic solvent, and to whole blood biosensor systems.
US08512531B2
The present invention relates to a gas concentration detection apparatus for detecting the concentration of a specific gas component in an exhaust gas emitted from an engine, and forms a deterioration judgment about the gas concentration detection apparatus accurately and immediately. After excess oxygen is discharged by an oxygen pump cell 2, a NOx concentration detection apparatus, judges whether a NOx sensor 1 is activated. If the NOx sensor 1 is not activated yet, an output increase rate Vu(t) of the NOx sensor cell output N during an increase process of the NOx sensor cell output N is acquired. The present invention judges whether the output increase rate Vu(t) is lower than a predetermined reference value Vth1. If the obtained judgment result indicates that Vu(t)
US08512524B2
A patterned framework for a papermaking belt is disclosed. The patterned framework has a continuous network region having a pattern formed comprising a plurality of tessellating unit cells and a plurality of discrete regions isolated from one another by the continuous network region. 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 the bifurcation and at least two continuous land area portions having a second width after the bifurcation in continuous communication with the continuous land area portion. Removing and drying the embryonic web of paper fibers disposed upon the patterned framework provides a paper product having a residual water value, RW, of less than 0.12 g.
US08512523B2
Methods are provided for altering the tack of an adhesive material by contacting the adhesive material with an amount of a cyclodextrin compound effective to reduce the tack of the adhesive material. In a preferred embodiment, the method is for altering the tack of adhesive contaminants in a process fluid, which includes the steps of providing a process fluid in which are dispersed contaminant particles which comprises one or more adhesive materials (such as pitch, pressure sensitive adhesives, hot melts, latexes, binders, and combinations thereof); and adding to the process an amount of a cyclodextrin compound effective to reduce the tack of the adhesive material. The process fluid can be in a process stream in a pulp and paper mill.
US08512516B2
A method of making a cellulosic web having an elevated absorbency includes forming a nascent web having a random distribution of fiber orientation from a papermaking furnish, non-compactively drying the nascent web to a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent, thereafter, transferring the nascent web to a translating transfer surface that is moving at a transfer surface speed, and fabric-creping the nascent web from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a creping fabric, the fabric-creping step occurring under pressure in a fabric creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping fabric, such that the nascent web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping fabric to form a creped wet web. The creped wet web is dried while the web is held in the creping fabric.
US08512509B2
In a showerhead assembly, a path splitting manifold comprises a gas supply inlet and a planar floor and plural gas outlets extending axially through the floor and azimuthally distributed about the floor. The path splitting manifold further comprises a plurality of channels comprising plural paths between the inlet and respective ones of the plural outlets. A gas distribution showerhead underlies the floor of the manifold and is open to the plural outlets. In certain embodiments, the plural paths are of equal lengths.
US08512503B2
A sealing device including a mask for partially irradiating light and a method of manufacturing a display device using the sealing device is disclosed. The sealing device used to bond first and second substrates by interposing a sealing material at edges of the first and second substrates and by irradiating light to the sealing material comprises: a mask disposed on one side of the stage, in which a transmission portion is formed in correspondence to the formation position of the sealing member so that light can be irradiated to the sealing material; and an optical head irradiating the light to the sealing material through the transmission portion of the mask. A pattern for regulating the amount of the light irradiated to the sealing material is formed in the transmission portion of the mask.
US08512501B2
A method and apparatus for heating and/or pressing sealant of an insulating glass unit. The apparatus may include an oven and a press. The oven includes a detector that detects an optical property of the insulating glass unit. The detected optical property is used to regulate the amount of energy applied to the insulating glass unit to adjust the amount of energy applied to the sealant. The press may include a displacement transducer that detects a pre-pressed thickness of the insulating glass unit. The measured pre-pressed thickness is used to automatically select a press thickness from a set of pressed IGU thicknesses.
US08512497B2
Method and apparatus for forming an annular composite structure is provided. In one embodiment an apparatus for forming annular composite structures is provided. The apparatus includes an annular shaped tool and a forming head. The annular shaped tool includes a forming surface of a select cross-sectional geometry. The forming head is configured to form continuous ply layers one ply at a time circumferentially about the forming surface of the tool.
US08512484B2
A passivating agent for metallic surfaces of workpieces or casting molds includes an aqueous phosphate solution with metal ions and a gelatin.
US08512481B2
Low-VOC cleaning compositions effective in removing stubborn UV inks from printing-press components include at least one non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of a sorbitan ester, an ethoxylated sorbitan ester, an ethoxylated castor oil, polyethylene glycol ester and an alcohol ethoxylate; and at least one carrier comprising or consisting essentially of at least one of (i) an organic solvent miscible therewith or (ii) D-limonene. The cleaning composition has a VOC limit less than 100 g/L.
US08512478B2
A cleaning and drying-preventing method including: positioning a nozzle in a container such that a funnel-like inner circumferential surface of the container is located around a periphery of a distal end of the nozzle; sucking a liquid in the nozzle to retract a level of the liquid to a side of a supply passage; supplying a solvent into the container to form a swirl flow of the solvent turning around the distal end of the nozzle, and cleaning the nozzle by the swirl flow; supplying a solvent into the container to form a liquid pool of the solvent; and further retracting the level of the liquid in the nozzle to the side of the supply passage. A liquid layer, an air layer, and a solvent layer are formed in the nozzle in this order from the side of the supply passage, to prevent drying of the liquid in the nozzle.
US08512474B2
A precursor delivery system for an irradiation beam instrument includes an injection tube for injecting gasses into the instrument vacuum chamber and a main gas line having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected to the injection tube, and the inlet is connected to a sequential pair of valves connected to a carrier gas source. A crucible for holding precursor material is selectively connected to the main gas line at a location between the pair of valves and the injection tube. The source of carrier gas may be selectively connected to the inlet by sequential operation of the pair of carrier gas valves, so that pulses of carrier gas assist the flow of precursor material to the injection tube. Rapid purging of the system between precursors is enabled by a valve selectively connecting the main line to an envelope in communication with the instrument vacuum.
US08512470B2
A method for growing high-resistivity single crystals includes placing a raw material in a vacuum-sealable ampoule, heating the raw material in the vacuum-sealable ampoule to vaporize the moisture in the raw material, exhausting the vaporized moisture from the vacuum-sealable ampoule, vacuum-sealing the vacuum-sealable ampoule, heating the raw material in the vacuum-sealable ampoule to vaporize the oxide compounds in the raw material, cooling a bulb in a cap on the vacuum-sealable ampoule to produce condensed oxide compounds on an inner surface of the bulb, removing the bulb and the condensed oxide compounds from the vacuum-sealable ampoule, wherein the raw material in the vacuum-sealable ampoule comprises carbon as an impurity, and placing the vacuum-sealable ampoule comprising the raw material in a crystal growth apparatus to grow a high-resistivity crystal from the raw material.
US08512463B2
The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising Ag and a Pb-free bismuth-tellurium-oxide both dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode. The present invention is also directed to the bismuth-tellurium oxide that is a component of thick film pastes.
US08512454B2
The invention relates to electrostatic dust catcher including a first (1) and a second electrode (2) and a voltage source (3) for applying an electrical voltage between the two electrodes (1, 2). The first electrode (1) is designed as a dust catching device and the second electrode (2) is grounded.
US08512453B2
A fuel tank deaeration and aeration system, including a first main filter device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with a fuel tank; and a second additional filter device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet of the main filter device, and the additional filter device outlet is in fluid communication with an environment of a vehicle, and wherein a bypass valve controls a bypass, which bypasses the additional filter device.
US08512450B2
A filtration system for a gas turbine engine includes an inlet main body which defines an inner inlet fairing section and a bellmouth inlet faring section transverse thereto. An Engine Air Particle Separator (EAPS) is mounted adjacent to the inlet main body to define a plenum therein. A particulate laden airflow is filtered by the Engine Air Particle Separator (EAPS) to produce a substantially filtered airflow. The substantially filtered airflow is communicated into the plenum, through the bellmouth inlet faring section and into a gas turbine engine.
US08512446B2
A method is provided that includes removing carbon dioxide from untreated syngas received from a gasifier to produce a gas stream comprising carbon dioxide, modifying the gas stream by adding carbon monoxide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, or any combination thereof, and providing the gas stream from an acid gas remover to a feed system for use as a conveyance gas to convey a feedstock into the gasifier. Systems implementing these and other methods are also provided.
US08512438B2
Described herein are methods of controlling metal nanowire morphologies by adjusting the reaction conditions of a polyol synthesis. In particular, by purging the reaction with an inert gas, batch-to-batch consistency can be achieved.
US08512437B2
Provided are a method and a device for producing nanoparticles of a low melting point material such as gold at more than 10 times faster the rate of conventional technology while maintaining the time-averaged temperature of pulse-modulated atmospheric-pressure plasma at a temperature that is low enough so as not to damage a heat-sensitive material disposed downstream. This method of preparing nanoparticles of a low melting point inorganic material in which a wire made of a low melting point inorganic material is inserted into a plasma-generating capillary tube or a plasma-generating nozzle and atmospheric-pressure high frequency plasma is generated in the capillary tube or nozzle is characterized by generating the plasma by applying a high frequency voltage possessing a waveform which exhibits its maximum value when it rises and then immediately falls, and which is pulse-modulated so that the duty ratio thereof is 10% or less.
US08512435B2
Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units, such as breather caps. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate and/or fluid mist load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications.
US08512433B2
Disclosed are ceramic honeycomb articles which possess a unique microstructure characterized by porosity between 40% and 70%, and the presence of coarse pores exhibiting a depth equivalent to the thickness of the cell wall and a dimensional width, in the plane of the cell wall, exhibiting a diameter that is at least as large as the thickness of the cell wall. The articles exhibits reduced filtration efficiency coupled with low pressure drop across the filter, and a reduced regeneration need. Such ceramic articles are particularly well suited for filtration applications, such as off-road and retro-fit diesel exhaust filters or DPFs. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the ceramic article wherein the pore former is capable of forming coarse pores.
US08512428B2
An object is to provide a vent filter in which a vent film is less likely to be broken when cut and a measure to shrinkage is taken while the characteristics and functions both inherent to the vent film are being kept. The vent filter includes a frame-shaped adhesive layer 2 and a vent film 3 attached to the adhesive layer 2, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the vent film 3 is positioned at an outer side than an outer peripheral portion of the frame-shaped adhesive layer 2.
US08512427B2
A chemical mechanical polishing pad comprising an acrylate polyurethane polishing layer, wherein the polishing layer exhibits a tensile modulus of 65 to 500 MPa; an elongation to break of 50 to 250%; a storage modulus, G′, of 25 to 200 MPa; a Shore D hardness of 25 to 75; and a wet cut rate of 1 to 10 μm/min.
US08512418B2
This invention relates to compositions comprising certain glycosyl hydrolases and a fabric hueing agent and processes for making and using such compositions.
US08512415B2
A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.
US08512406B2
A vertebral replacement device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body member having at least one of an upper or lower disc replacement member engaged thereto at one end thereof. The disc replacement device can be positioned in a spinal disc space when disengaged from the vertebral body member.
US08512398B2
Apparatus for delivering a prosthetic heart valve into a patient by means that are less invasive than conventional open-chest, open-heart surgery. The prosthetic valve may be collapsed while in a delivery device. When the valve reaches the desired implant site in the patient, the valve can be released from the delivery device, which allows the valve to re-expand to the configuration in which it can function as a heart valve. For example, the delivery device may be constructed to facilitate delivery of the prosthetic valve into the patient via the apex of the patient's heart.
US08512397B2
A prosthetic vascular conduit for coupling to a valve having an annular portion includes a terminal collar member, radially expandable to receive the annular portion of the valve. The collar member includes a portion which is radially contractible to capture the annular portion of the valve to couple the valve to the conduit.
US08512392B2
The present invention is directed to stent that has a plurality of axially spaced serpentine bands. Each serpentine band comprises a plurality of struts, wherein adjacent struts are connected to each other forming a plurality of peaks and valleys. The plurality of struts comprise a plurality of adjacent pairs of struts, wherein each adjacent pair of struts comprises a first strut and a second strut and wherein the first and second struts have a first end, a second end and a length and a plurality of interconnecting struts axially connect the serpentine bands. The stent further includes a plurality of connector nodes, wherein a plurality of first and second struts that are associated with a connector node have a greater stiffness than a plurality of struts that are not associated with a connector node.
US08512389B2
A method and apparatus for introducing a first elongate medical device and short wire guide that are coupled together into a work site and remotely disconnecting them within the work site such that a secondary device comprising a catheter member can be introduced over the wire guide to the work site, and/or a second wire guide can be introduced to the work site via a passageway of the primary access device. A separating member may be provided to remotely separate the wire guide from the elongate medical device.
US08512387B2
The invention involves a system and method for an esophageal cooling system suitable for use during surgical procedures associated with the left atrium of the heart and most particularly ablation procedures associated with atrial fibrillation. The esophageal cooling system is suitable for use irrespective of whether the ablation procedure is intraoperative or catheter based. The system includes an esophageal catheter constructed and arranged to fit within the patients esophagus. Suitably located along the esophageal catheter is a phoximal balloon for occluding an upper portion of the esophagus. The phoximal balloon includes a coolant lumen for transferring temperature controlled liquid to the area where the esophagus may be in contact with the atrium of the heart. The liquid is expelled through a nozzle which directs the liquid to the inner surface of the esophagus. A suction lumen also extends through the phoximal balloon to evacuate the used coolant from the lower portion of the esophagus or gastrum of the patient.
US08512385B2
A bendable bone plate (10) is disclosed which is adapted for use in situ as a conformable bone splint to fix the spatial relationship of at least two bone parts (80). The bone plate (10) has an elongated plate (11) made of a bendable material. A plurality of screw apertures (24) extending through the top (14) and bottom (16) surfaces are disposed along the length (L) of the plate. Bone screws (28) are inserted through the apertures into the underlying bone parts (80) to anchor the elongated plate (11) to the bone parts (80). At least two of the screw apertures (24) are disposed as a closely spaced pair (40) of screw apertures (24) with a “bend relief zone” (60) disposed between the closely spaced apart screw apertures (24). The bend relief zone (60) is disposed to allow the elongated plate (11) to be bent across the bend relief zone (60) up to a certain angle (A) without deforming the screw apertures (24) adjacent the bend relief zone (60).
US08512375B2
A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible member movably attached to the second anchor, positioning the first anchor against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second anchor against tissue, and pulling on a free end of the flexible member to shorten a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors, thereby closing the wound. A wound closure device includes a first anchor, a second anchor; and a flexible member connecting the first anchor to the second anchor, the flexible member being movably attached to the second anchor, such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors.
US08512373B2
A needle assembly comprises a shaft with two opposite tissue piercing ends. The assembly includes a shuttle which is moveable relative to the shaft between the two ends. The shuttle comprises means to secure a suture to the shuttle member.
US08512372B2
A closure device includes an actuator movable between an initial extended position, a first position, and a second position with respect to a housing of the closure device, an inner seal configured to deploy from a distal end of the closure device when the actuator shifts from the initial extended position to the first position, a biasing mechanism configured to urge the actuator from the first position to the second position when a first pulling force is applied to the housing, and a locking member configured to deploy from the distal end of the closure device when the actuator shifts from the second position to the first position subsequent to deployment of the inner seal.
US08512365B2
A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer, an end effector, a generator and a control circuit. The transducer may be configured to provide vibrations. The end effector may be coupled to the transducer and may extend from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The generator may provide an electrical signal to the transducer. Also, the control circuit may modify a current amplitude of the electrical signal in response to a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector. Accordingly to various embodiments, the control circuit may detect a first contribution to a vibration frequency of the end effector, the first contribution originating from tissue in contact with the end effector. Also, according to various embodiments, the control circuit may indicate a change in a vibration frequency of the end effector.
US08512364B2
Several embodiments of medical ultrasound handpieces are described each including a medical ultrasound transducer assembly. An embodiment of a medical ultrasound system is described, wherein the medical ultrasound system includes a medical ultrasound handpiece having a medical ultrasound transducer assembly and includes an ultrasonically-vibratable medical-treatment instrument which is attachable to a distal end of the transducer assembly. An embodiment of a medical ultrasound system is described, wherein the medical ultrasound system has a handpiece including a medical ultrasound transducer assembly and including a housing or housing component surrounding the transducer assembly. A method for tuning a medical ultrasound handpiece includes machining at least a distal non-threaded portion of an instrument-attachment stud of the transducer assembly to match a measured fundamental frequency to a desired fundamental frequency to within a predetermined limit. A method for making a medical ultrasound transducer assembly determines acceptable gains for gain stages of the transducer assembly.
US08512363B2
A scalpel guide system for a bladed surgical instrument. A pair of wire guides attach to a scalpel, for controlled travel of the scalpel along the wire. The wire guides of the scalpel guide system are especially useful as an enhancement to the “Seldinger technique,” or any surgical procedure employed for the percutaneous placement of elongated, tubular devices, with the aid of a guidewire or filament wire. The scalpel can be any knifelike surgical device, conventionally including a blade attached to a handle. The scalpel guiding system preferably includes a pair of wire guides, each extending from the scalpel, which can be disposable, as can the blade, independent of the scalpel. The pair of wire guides each have generally open funnel-shapes, with their wider portion facing the gap formed between the two guides. The user places this medal gap on the wire and rotates the scalpel to engage the wire. This engagement allows the user or surgeon to move the scalpel along the wire in a controlled and guided manner, for precise cutting or incising, as required for the needed procedure or operation.
US08512356B2
Devices and methods are disclosed which provide for harvesting hair follicular units, including severing any remaining connective tissue strands during the harvesting process, so that the harvested follicular units are retained in the harvesting tool without being damaged. The devices and methods of the present invention are especially useful with the partially or substantially automated systems and methods for hair harvesting and transplantation. The follicular unit harvesting tools may comprise a harvesting cannula and a grasping device moveable relative to each other.
US08512354B2
A dermatome having a blade assembly, where the blade assembly includes a blade and a blade mount. The blade may include a blade edge, a reference edge and at least one hole or receiver positioned between the blade edge and the reference edge. The blade mount may include a base, a blade locator extending from the base and at least one reference fence abutting the reference edge of the blade. The blade locator may include a protrusion for inserting into the hole or receiver of the blade. The blade and blade mount of the blade assembly may self align and provide for a simple and permanent connection.
US08512334B2
Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) parameters for destroying tumors with a single treatment are described. A nsPEF generator may be used with an electrode assembly to apply the pulses to one or more tumors where the parameters for the nsPEF are optimized for treating such tumors.
US08512328B2
A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a helical antenna assembly that includes a helical antenna radiating section having a helical antenna element. The helical antenna assembly is capable of operating in at least one of a first mode of operation for directing energy to a first portion of the target volume of tissue and a second mode of operation for directing energy to a second portion of the target volume of tissue.
US08512326B2
Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool. Thus, over a first cutting portion, radio frequency current may help cut the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current may initiate vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the cutting device.
US08512318B2
Disposable loading units (DLUs) configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task are presented. Each DLU includes an attachment platform having at least one connector for engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for connecting the DLU to the robotic arm, a head portion connected to the attachment platform at one end and configured for housing an electromechanical actuation assembly therein, and at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electromechanical actuation assembly for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member. The at least one surgical tool member may include a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.
US08512312B2
Catheter connectors, connection systems, and methods of use in which a catheter is attached to an offset connector such that the catheter is retained on the connector by compression between a tube located within the catheter and a collar fitted over the portion of the catheter containing the tube. The catheters used with the offset catheter connection systems may include an elastically compressible inner body that is surrounded by a reinforcing braid. After the offset connector tube is inserted into the lumen of the catheter, a collar may be advanced over the exterior of the catheter and the offset connecter tube contained therein.
US08512310B2
Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes providing a first intravascular device having a distal portion with a concave side, inserting the first device into the vascular lumen, positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall, and orienting the concave side of the distal portion toward the vascular lumen.
US08512309B2
A vial adapter element for use in a drug mixing system including a body, a vial connection port extending from the body, a hollow vial puncturing spike that protrudes into the vial connection port and is in fluid communication with a syringe-adapter-element connection port that extends from the body, and a plurality of resilient tongues spaced around an inner wall of the body, the tongues being located in gaps formed in the inner wall of the body.
US08512300B1
An enteral feeding system reduces medical risk for aspirational pneumonia when an angle of the head gatch section is outside a predetermined range of 30-45 degrees. The system comprises a hospital bed having a head gatch section and an intravenous pole connected to an enteral feeding pump. The pump has a fluid sensor which operates properly when the pump is positioned along a vertical axis. The pole is connected to the head gatch section at a 30 degree angle offset from a vertical axis. In operation, when the head gatch section is positioned less than 30 degrees, the pump will stop operating and when the head gatch section is positioned at 30 degres, the pump will operate since the pump is positioned along a vertical axis to allow the fluid sensor to detect fluid.
US08512289B2
A reservoir may be filled with fluidic media in a first type of environment, a plunger head may be placed within the reservoir in the first type of environment, and a casing that may be configured to envelop at least a portion of a plunger arm operatively connected to the plunger head may be attached adjacent to at least a portion of the reservoir in a second type of environment. A reservoir may be provided having a first and second portion for respectively containing fluidic media, the second portion may be adapted to be removable, the reservoir may be selectively filled with a first volume or a second volume of fluidic media, a seal member may be placed in the reservoir, and the second portion may be removed in a case where the reservoir contains the first volume of fluidic media.
US08512287B2
A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir, wherein the device can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface and a push button activation assembly can then be used to remove an interlock, allowing a disk, or Belleville spring assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of the fluid reservoir, allow the release of the patient needles into the skin surface, and establish a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents. The push button activation assembly further allows the release of one or more improved safety mechanisms after use.
US08512283B2
The present invention provides a system and a method for distending a body tissue cavity of a subject by continuous flow irrigation by using a positive displacement pump, such as a pneumatic pump, on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by a the two positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss, into the subject's body system, during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate. The system and the methods of the present invention described above can be used in any endoscopic procedure requiring continuous flow irrigation few examples of such endoscopic procedures being hysteroscopic surgery, arthroscopic surgery, trans uretheral surgery, endoscopic surgery of the brain and endoscopic surgery of the spine.
US08512280B2
A cerebral cooling device that uses a pressurized source to deliver a fluid that evaporates in the nasal cavity to provide cooling and has a balloon on the distal end that inflates from some of the pressure front the pressurized source. The device includes a nasal catheter having delivery ports located in the distal region and a balloon on the distal end. The proximal end of the catheter is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of a low boiling point fluid. A manifold located between the pressurized source and the catheter distributes the fluid and pressure from the pressurized source to a first lumen of the catheter to inflate the balloon and to a second lumen of the catheter through the delivery ports to cool the nasal cavity. A check valve in the manifold ensures that the fluid and pressure are first delivered to the balloon.
US08512278B2
A syringe device having a syringe barrel and a syringe piston having a container housing. At least a portion of the container housing is insertable within an internal chamber of the syringe barrel. A fluid passageway extends from the container housing through a piston stem. A method of protecting a syringe handler including providing the components of a syringe device and encasing the components in a protective film. The protective film is loose to allow manipulation of the syringe components relative to one another without opening or puncturing the film. Protective syringe device packaging that includes a laminate film of material sealed to encase the components of a syringe device containing a potentially harmful agent.
US08512276B2
An infusion system includes an infusion device and a sensing device. The infusion system may further include a characteristic determining device. The infusion device also includes a communication system for transmitting to and receiving communications from the sensing device or a computer. The sensing device may sense an analyte of a bodily fluid of the user. The analyte may be calibrated using data from the infusion device and from a characteristic determining device. The system may be set up to automatically call for assistance when analytes reach a certain level.
US08512269B1
Disclosed is an ankle-foot orthosis that includes a boot and a pre-tibial shell. The boot includes an inner shell and outer shell between which are included padding and/or structural supports according to the needs of the patient to be treated. The pre-tibial shell likewise includes an interior layer and an exterior layer. Both the boot and the pre-tibial shell are custom molded to a casting made from an injured foot while taped in a non-weight-bearing position and corrected to a position of neutral pathology. Also disclosed is a method for constructing the disclosed ankle-foot orthosis.
US08512264B1
An implant system for imparting vibratory massage to tissue of a patient from within the body of the patient is disclosed. The system comprises an implant device configured to produce and communicate a vibration to body tissue located adjacent to the implant device. The device may include a case forming at least a portion of an exterior of the device, and a vibration generator configured to vibrate the portion of the exterior. The device may include a power supply to supply power to the vibration generator and a switch to selectively permit power from the power supply to be supplied to the vibration generator. The device may include a power receiver to receive electrical energy from a location external to the body of the patient and a signal receiver to receive signals from a location external to the body of the patient when the receiver is located in the body of the patient.
US08512263B2
Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment storing various electrical components. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The therapy device has a deployed configuration in which the power connector, the control unit, and the thermal pad are extended from the interior of the container. In one embodiment, the insert is a solid insulating material that has a configuration suitable for nesting the inserts for shipping. In another embodiment, the insert is a planar material folded into a basket shape. Insulation is provided by the gap between the insert and the containing box.
US08512262B2
A system to modulate an autonomic nerve in a patient utilizing transcutaneous ultrasound energy delivery includes a processor comprising an input for receiving information regarding energy and power to be delivered to a treatment region containing the nerve, and an output for outputting a signal, wherein the processor is configured to determine a position of a reference target from outside the patient to localize the nerve relative to the reference target, a therapeutic energy device comprising a transducer for delivering ultrasound energy from outside the patient, a controller to control an aiming of the transducer based at least in part on the signal from the processor, and an imaging system coupled to the processor or the therapeutic energy device.
US08512254B2
An implantable medical device for monitoring tissue perfusion that includes a light source emitting a light signal and a light detector receiving emitted light scattered by a volume of body tissue. The light detector emits a signal having an alternating current component corresponding to the pulsatility of blood flow in the body tissue volume. A processor receives the current signal and determines a patient condition in response to the alternating component of the current signal.
US08512252B2
A delivery method and system for noninvasively monitoring cardiac physiologic parameters used to evaluate patients with cardiovascular conditions. The system includes an implantable sensing device configured for chronic implantation in a cavity of the cardiovascular system, such as the heart, pulmonary artery (PA), etc. The method involves introducing the sensing device through a cardiovascular cavity that is upstream in the vasculature from the cavity where implantation is intended and has a larger diameter than the intended cavity, and thereafter blood flow through the cardiovascular system delivers the device to the intended cavity. The device is sized and configured so as to secure itself within the intended cavity when the device moves through the cavity to a point where the diameter narrows sufficiently to secure the device and so as to be oriented once secured to sense a pressure either within, upstream (wedge), or downstream (distal) of the cavity.
US08512241B2
A method of communicating with an ingestible capsule includes detecting the location of the ingestible capsule, focusing a multi-sensor acoustic array on the ingestible capsule, and communicating an acoustic information exchange with the ingestible capsule via the multi-sensor acoustic array. The ingestible capsule includes a sensor that receives a stimulus inside the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, a bidirectional acoustic information communications module that transmits an acoustic information signal containing information from the sensor, and an acoustically transmissive encapsulation that substantially encloses the sensor and communications module, wherein the acoustically transmissive encapsulation is of ingestible size. The multi-sensor array includes a plurality of acoustic transducers that receive an acoustic signal from a movable device, and a plurality of delays, wherein each delay is coupled to a corresponding acoustic transducer. Each delay may be adjusted according to a phase of a signal received by the corresponding acoustic transducer.
US08512231B2
An electronic endoscope includes a cylindrical transparent cover whose observation window in a cylindrical part is transparent, a body part that has a cylindrical part provided continuously to the cylindrical part of the transparent cover, a lens holder that revolves about a center axis of the transparent cover in an inside of the transparent cover and the body part and that moves in a direction of the center axis, an objective mirror that is provided in the lens holder and that reflects, toward the body part, light entering through an objective lens provided at a position facing the cylindrical part of the transparent cover, an imaging device that receives light reflected from the objective mirror and that converts the light into an electric signal, and a driving section provided inside the body part and that drives and revolves the lens holder.
US08512230B2
An attachment and detachment mechanism includes convex and concave engaging portions provided in first and second couplings respectively and extending in a radial direction of first and second shaft portions, the convex engaging portion is to be slidably inserted into and removed from the concave engaging portion along a longitudinal direction of the concave engaging portion, the convex and concave engaging portions includes basic positions where the longitudinal directions of the convex and concave engaging portions correspond to the attachment and detachment direction of the first and second main body portions and the convex and concave engaging portions are insertable into and removable from each other, and the attachment and detachment mechanism further includes a guide mechanism to guide one engaging portion such that the one engaging portion is disposed at the basic position in conjunction with the attachment or detachment of the first and second main body portions.
US08512229B2
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice or passageway, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are also provided.
US08512226B2
A sexual aid device and method for inserting and occupying space within a human female's vagina to provide a sensation of increased fullness to the female and a sensation of increased tightness and friction to a penis of a human male during sexual intercourse, thereby enhancing sexual arousal of both the female and the male. The sexual aid can be a member having a bulbous end for insertion and a tapered end for externally grasping and manipulating the member. The tapered end may include a hooked protrusion for providing anal stimulation to the female. The member may contain one or more vibrating devices. The member may further include a generally planar surface featuring a trough and can include two arced terminuses oriented in opposing directions. An internal pellet-rotating device may be installed within the tapered end of the member to produce mechanical friction in and around the vagina.
US08512225B2
A dildo, including a solid high density heat-resistant glass substrate completely covered by a relatively inert metal plating such as gold, silver, nickel, chromium or titanium, the substrate having a shaft portion, a base portion at one end and a head portion at the opposite end. In one configuration the head and base portions are enlarged, the shaft portion having spaced protuberances. In another configuration the shaft portion is serpentine in form, the head portion is tapered and having a hole formed there through for a tether, and the base portion has oppositely projecting protuberances. The metal plating can have a variety of coloring patterns.
US08512221B2
Automated behavioral methods and systems for treating Insomnia that use passive means for determining wake/sleep states.
US08512210B2
A limb-exercising system for attaching to an office swivel chair on castors, the limb-exercising system including a rigid platform, at least one interchangeable limb-exercising unit, a force resistor, and a cable, the rigid platform being coupled with the castors of the office swivel chair, such that the relative movement between the rigid platform and the office swivel chair is minimal, the interchangeable limb-exercising unit being coupled with the rigid platform, the interchangeable limb-exercising unit being operative to provide movement exercise for at least one muscle group of the body of a user, the force resistor being coupled with the rigid platform and with the interchangeable limb-exercising unit, the force resistor providing resistance to movement of the interchangeable limb-exercising unit, the cable being coupled between the interchangeable limb-exercising unit and the force resistor.
US08512203B2
A generator system includes a prime mover having a drive shaft and a throttle, a driven member having a rotor disposed on a rotor shaft, and a continuously variable transmission pulley system. The transmission pulley system includes a drive pulley coupled to the drive shaft and having a variable drive pulley effective diameter. A driven pulley coupled to the rotor shaft has a variable driven pulley effective diameter responsive to varying torque on the rotor shaft. A belt configured to engage the drive pulley and the driven pulley has a belt tension, wherein the drive pulley effective diameter varies in response to the belt tension.
US08512192B2
A lubrication device for a planetary transmission with a plurality of planetary gearsets in which a ring gear carrier, which supports a ring gear of a first planetary gearset, is connected to a planetary gear carrier which supports a plurality of planetary gears of an adjacent, second planetary gearset, and in which a lubricant supply for the planetary gears of the second planetary gearset is provided. To provide an inexpensive, simply designed and reliable lubricant supply to the planetary gears of the web carrier coupled to the ring gear of the other planetary gearset, the ring gear is sealed relative to the ring gear carrier of the first planetary gearset and relative to the planetary gear carrier of the second planetary gearset.
US08512190B2
The invention provides a new type of reversible variable transmission for vehicles such as cars, busses, trucks, off-road vehicles, lift trucks, telescopic boom handlers and the like. Alternatively, the gearbox can be used in systems such as wind-mills etc. and other industrial applications that require power to be transferred at variable speeds.
US08512186B2
A power transmission belt having a body with a length, an inside and an outside. Teeth are spaced along the length of the body. The body is made of rubber in which at least one load carrying member is embedded. The load carrying member extends lengthwise of the body. The rubber in the body is made up of: a) 3 to 7 parts by mass of short fiber blended relative to 100 parts by mass of a polymer that is a hydrogenated nitrile rubber having unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt formed by mixing the hydrogenated nitrile rubber and the unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt at a mass ratio of from 100:100 to 100:180; and b) no more than 10 parts by mass of a powdery inorganic filler blended relative to 100 parts by mass of the polymer.
US08512182B2
The present invention relates to a bicycle. In particular, it relates to bicycle with torque-driven automatic transmission. The automatic transmission device mainly includes a torque sensor, a body strength selector, a slope sensor, a front gearshift driving mechanism and a rear gearshift driving mechanism.
US08512177B2
An American style football including an inflatable bladder, a cover surrounding the bladder, and an electronic circuit. The bladder includes first and second side walls defining an expandable cavity and a cross-member configured to extend through the expandable cavity. The side walls and cross-member are coupled together to form a bladder seam. The electronic circuit is coupled to the cross-member and produces a signal to enable the position and movement of the football to be monitored during use.
US08512176B1
A bat having a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The area(s) adjacent to the central portion of the barrel have an increased performance with respect to the central portion of the barrel to effectively enlarge the sweet spot, or preferred hitting area. At least one member of the barrel is circumferential aligned and axially spaced from another member.
US08512175B2
A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a handle and a barrel portion having an outer surface and including a proximal member and a distal member. The proximal member has first and second end regions and the distal member has third and fourth end regions. The first end region is coupled to the handle portion, the second end region of the proximal member is coupled to the third end region of the distal member, and the fourth end region of the distal member is coupled to an end cap. The proximal and distal members are formed of first and second materials, respectively. The second material is a fiber composite material, the second fiber composite material of the distal member is co-molded to the outer surface of the second end region of the proximal member.
US08512173B2
A lacrosse head including a spine element that is at least partially embedded or encapsulated in a base and sidewalls of the lacrosse head. The spine element can terminate short of a scoop of the lacrosse head. Where the lacrosse sidewalls are of an open frame construction and include a non-string hole, the spine element can define a spine element hole that is aligned with the non-string hole. The spine element can also include a transverse element that spans from an upper rail to a lower rail of the sidewalls adjacent a cross member of the sidewalls. The base and sidewalls can include viewing apertures through which some of the spine element can be viewed, while other parts of the spine element remain concealed. The spine element can be constructed from one plastic, while the remainder of the head can be constructed from a different plastic.
US08512158B2
An amusement ride system includes: a shooting device adapted to shoot a projectile; an aiming facility operable by a user to aim the shooting device; and a triggering device operable by the user to fire the shooting device. The user rides the vehicle, aims the shooting device, and fires the device to shoot the projectile. A method for a ride includes: providing a shooting device; providing a plurality of projectiles; and aiming and shooting the projectiles utilizing the shooting device.
US08512137B2
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can determine a wagering game in progress for a wagering game session, and determine an electronic playing card that is in use for the wagering game that uses playing cards. The operations can also determine primary content related to the wagering game, and electronically present the primary content on the electronic playing card for use in the wagering game. The primary content can include playing elements (e.g., card ranks and card suits) for the wagering game. The operations can also determine secondary content to be presented on the electronic playing card, and electronically present the secondary content on the electronic playing card during the wagering game session. The secondary content can include wagering games that are different from the primary content (e.g., secondary wagering games that use playing elements other than cards, such as slot games).
US08512136B2
A game device (201) includes a signature memory unit (203), status memory unit (204), input receiving unit (202), restarting unit (205), and advancing unit (206). The signature memory unit (203) stores players' signature patterns. The status memory unit (204) stores game progress statuses for players. The input receiving unit (202) receives a trace input by players. When the received trace is similar to one of the signature patterns and the current player differs from a player (next player) associated with the signature pattern, the restarting unit (205) stores the current game progress status in the status memory unit (204) in association with the current player, and restarts the game from the game progress status stored in the status memory unit (204) in association with the next player. When the trace is similar to none of the signature patterns, the advancing unit (206) advances the game based on the received trace.
US08512131B2
A bonus management server may have a processor configured to transmit a plurality of bonuses to at least one gaming device for selection by a player and configured to and receive data from a plurality of servers and the plurality of gaming devices. A database may communicate with the processor to store data received from the gaming devices and servers, the database having a memory to store the plurality of bonuses, each of the plurality of bonuses associated with at least one qualifying bonus criteria, a player database to store player data received from the plurality of gaming devices and the plurality of servers, a data analyzer configured to determine whether the player is eligible to play for each of the plurality of bonuses, and an association table to associate a player with at least two of the plurality of bonuses.
US08512128B2
An aspect of the invention provides a game machine including: a second game chance control device that generates at least one game chance that is allowed to establish a predetermined winning condition in a game within a predetermined range provided to a player in exchange for a game value; a symbol arrangement control device that determines types of symbols to be arranged on a predetermined area on a game screen with a predetermined positional relationship according to the generation of the game chance; and a first winning determining device that determines whether the winning condition is established based on the types and the arrangement of the symbols arranged on the predetermined area.
US08512127B2
A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a display configured to displaying a wagering game outcome on a plurality of video reels and a controller in communication with the display. The controller is operative to randomly determine an outcome of the wagering game and to display the wagering game outcome on the plurality of reels. The wagering game outcome includes a plurality of symbols disposed on a first subset of the plurality of reels and further includes at least one meta-symbol disposed on a second subset of the plurality of reels. The controller is further operative to award an award if the displayed wagering game defines a winning wagering game outcome.
US08512122B2
Systems and methods of generating electronic gaming tickets provide for receiving an asynchronous reply from an access device over a network. An electronic gaming ticket is sent toward the access device over the network based on the asynchronous reply. By providing asynchronous communication with the access device, a number of advantages are achieved.
US08512121B2
A gaming system including a plurality of adjacently arranged gaming machines which are linked by a multi-component game. Each of the gaming machines includes a base or primary game which is operable upon a wager by a player. Upon the occurrence of a component triggering event at one of the gaming machines, that gaming machine generates one or more components of the multi-component game. Upon an evaluation triggering event at one of the gaming machines, that gaming machine determines a multi-component game outcome to provide to the player based on that generated components of other gaming machines. The gaming system determines an award, if any, for that player based on the multi-component game outcome.
US08512118B2
A gaming machine and a gaming system is described. Gaming machines may be reserved by operating a button panel. In certain embodiments the reserved gaming machine or a head system causes the printing of a ticket and when that ticket is read by a bill acceptor, the gaming machine unlocks. In other embodiments, reservation is made by other means, including player cards.
US08512113B2
An air conditioning device (10) for conducting air from outside into a building or in the opposite direction for conducting air out of the building has at least one supply air chamber structure (11) and at least one exhaust air chamber structure (12) and in between these a partition wall (13) and therein a fan (14), with the aid of which air is made to flow (arrow L1) from a supply chamber (D1) into an exhaust chamber (D2).
US08512102B2
A sandblasting apparatus includes a chamber defining a cavity, a support assembly received in the cavity, a first and a second sandblasting assemblies. The support assembly includes a number of pairs of elongated support plates for holding a plate-shaped workpiece therebetween. The support plates are moveable along a vertical direction and a first horizontal direction. The first sandblasting assembly is configured for spraying sand downwardly toward the plate-shaped workpiece so as to cut the plate-shaped workpiece into a number of workpiece strips. The second sandblasting assembly is configured for spraying sand toward the workpiece strips along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction so as to cut the workpiece strips into workpiece blocks. The support plates are configured to rotate the workpiece blocks, and the second sandblasting assembly is further configured for processing the workpiece blocks into cylindrical workpieces while the support plates rotate the workpiece blocks.
US08512097B2
The invention concerns a polishing arrangement (1) with a tool holder (3), at which a polishing tool is arranged and that interacts with a workpiece holder (5), the workpiece holder (5) and the tool holder (3) being movable in relation to one another in a first direction and in a second direction differing from the first direction. It is endeavored to make at least a part of the polishing process reproducible and documentable. For this purpose, in a third direction (20) that is perpendicular to the first (9) and second (10, 12) directions, the tool holder (3) is made to be flexible.
US08512094B2
An ultrasonic trimming method is composed of steps, driving a cutter blade having a flat plate shape and supported by an arm at an end of an articulated robot via an ultrasonic oscillator, the cutter blade being driven by the arm while the cutter blade is ultrasonically vibrated; cutting a workpiece secured by a workpiece securing portion; and during, operation for cutting, moving the cutter blade held attached to the articulated robot to the position at where the cutting edge is brought into contact with the grindstone, maintaining the cutter blades attitude such that a plane containing the cutting edge thereof contacts the grindstone, and grinding the cutter blade by pressing the cutter blade against a grinding member by the arm while the cutter blade is ultrasonically vibrated, the grinding member being disposed within a movable range of the cutter blade driven by the articulated robot.
US08512090B2
A method for making a field emission cathode device is provided. A filler, a substrate, and a metal plate are provided. The metal plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and defines at least one through hole extending through from the first surface to the second surface. At least one electron emitter is inserted into the at least one through hole. The first surface of the metal plate is attached to the substrate. At least a part of the at least one electron emitter is located between the first surface and the substrate. The at least one through hole is filled with the filler to firmly fix the at least one electron emitter.
US08512070B2
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes an upper member, a lower member, a fastening member, and a spring. The upper member includes a first end, a second end, and an upper groove portion. The upper groove portion is between the first and second ends. The first end includes a first opening. The lower member includes a lower groove portion, a receiving area, and a hole. A portion of the upper member extends into the receiving area. An end of the hole is at the receiving area. The fastening member extends through the hole and the opening. The first end of the fastening member includes an operable portion. The spring is between the second end of the fastening member and the upper member. A portion of the spring is in the opening. The first end of the upper member is between opposite ends of the spring.
US08512069B2
A low-profile flat plug electrical connector having an integrated strain relief section and an interlocking terminating end is disclosed. The flat plug electrical connector has a housing for holding the electrical cable and prongs, and a cap for covering the internal structure of the housing. The housing has an integrated strain relief section for preventing damage to the flat plug electrical connector from abrupt pulling or pushing of the electrical cords. The cap and the housing have interlocking terminating ends which are configured for preventing the cap from separating from the housing when the plug is pulled from an electrical outlet. The electrical prongs of the hot and neutral electrical wires and the ground pin are locked in place by posts protruding from the cap which urges the prong mounting tab against a mounting surface in the housing.
US08512067B2
A termination strip (1) for a telecommunications module comprising at least one pair of contact elements (50) arranged side-by-side, each terminating in contacts (13) on opposed longitudinal sides (9, 10) of the strip for connection to a wire pair of a telecommunications cable. Each contact element comprises: (i) two end regions (52) that terminate in contacts on respective longitudinal sides of the termination strip and are substantially aligned with one another along the longitudinal axis of the contact element, and (ii) a narrower central region (51) between the end regions, located substantially on one side of the longitudinal axis. One of the end regions comprises a resilient contact region (53) extending from the end region substantially on the other side of the longitudinal axis and engageable by an external component inserted into the termination strip from one of the opposed longitudinal sides. The contact elements are substantially identical but turned through 180° relative to one another with the narrower central regions adjacent one another.
US08512062B1
An electronic device includes a chassis and an assisting apparatus for unplugging a Registered Jack-45 (RJ-45) connector having a resilient plate. The chassis includes a sidewall, and a connector installed in the chassis and exposed through the sidewall, for being connected to the RJ-45 connector. The assisting apparatus includes a fixing member mounted to the sidewall, a press member pivotably connected to the fixing member, and a torsion spring mounted between the fixing member and the press member. The press member includes a press portion protruding outwards. When the press member is rotated, the press portion presses the resilient plate of the RJ-45 connector, to allow the resilient plate to disengage from the connector of the chassis.
US08512057B2
A device includes rigid connecting bars for conductively connecting first to second busbars, the contact sides of which run parallel to each other and which can be held together with the connecting bars by applying pressure with the help of a first and a second connecting mechanism, each of which has a connecting bolt extending transverse to the contact sides. In at least one embodiment, each of the connecting bars has a first contact surface to conductively contact the contact side of one of the first busbars while having a second contact surface to conductively contact the contact side of one of the second busbars. In order to be able to even more easily connect the first and second busbars, especially when the busbars are pre-assembled in segments, e.g. in power module segments of a wind power plant, the connecting bars have a first and a second recess that is open on one side, namely on the side facing the connecting bolts, such that the connecting bars embrace the connecting bolts.
US08512055B2
A fixing device for fixing a power module includes a supporting rack, a latching member, and a resilient member connected between the supporting rack and the latching member. The supporting rack includes a base forming a hook engaging in a latching hole defined in the power module. A receiving hole is defined in the base. A protrusion extends down from the base. A slope facing the receiving hole is formed on the protrusion. A resilient tongue extends from the sliding plate. An abutting block extends down from a distal end of the tongue. When disassembling the power module, the latching member is slid relative to the base. The hook is disengaged from the latching hole. The slope abuts against the abutting block. The abutting block moves upward. The tongue is deformed to push up the power module to separate the power module from the supporting rack.
US08512052B2
An electrical grounding device includes a first and a second collar member, each having inner and outer wall surfaces, a flange projecting from the inner wall surface, and a shoulder projection extending radially from the outer wall surface. Further, the device includes a thickened wall region including an aperture passing transversely therethrough, wherein the thickened wall region is disposed in the outer wall surface of at least one of the first and second collar members. A fastener is operably associated with the shoulder projections of the first and second collar members to removably couple the shoulder projections together. Such coupling configures the inner wall surfaces to define an opening disposed through the electrical grounding device.
US08512050B2
A junction box is disclosed for a solar panel. The junction box can have a base portion and cover portion nesting together. The base portion can have an extending skirt portion and be secured to the solar panel and have one or more contacts for making electrical contact with the solar panel. All other electrical components of the junction box can reside in the top portion for ease of accessibility in making cable or wire connections and/or maintaining the electrical components therein. The cover portion can have one or more terminals for connecting to the one or more contacts of the bottom portion when the cover and base portion are brought together. The terminals can be configured and mounted to the cover to provide connection with cables, to be electrically connected to each other with electrical components, and to dissipate heat produced by the electrical components.
US08512049B1
A solderless compression connector is disclosed operable to couple first and second electrical components. The solderless compression connector comprises a housing comprising a dielectric forming a plurality of chambers, and an elongated conducting element disposed in each chamber. Each elongated conducting element comprises a first end operable to engage a first electrical lead of the first electrical component, and a second end operable to engage a second electrical lead of the second electrical component. Each elongated conducting element comprises a substantially constant thickness, and each elongated conducting element comprises a substantially constant width along a length of the elongated conducting element. A spacing between at least two of the elongated conducting elements is substantially constant. After installing the solderless compression connector, the elongated conducting elements are housed substantially within the respective chambers.
US08512040B2
Devices and methods for cleaning an oral cavity by positioning a device suitable for detecting and removing plaque from the surface within the oral cavity having applied thereto a fluorescent agent capable of binding to plaque on the surface. The surface is substantially simultaneously cleaned and irradiated with a light of a wavelength effective to provide a fluorescent emission when contacted with said fluorescent agent. A portion of the fluorescent emission is collected (APV1), and compared to a predetermined threshold value (PPTV). If APV1 is less than PPTV, the device is moved to another section. If APV1 is greater than or equal to PPTV, then another portion of fluorescent emission is collected (APV2). The percent reduction from APV1 to APV2 determines when the device is moved to another section.
US08512039B2
A dental attachment system has an abutment member configured for attachment to a tooth root, implant, or adjacent tooth, the abutment member having a head and an annular seat adjacent the head. An elastomeric ring is configured for releasable engagement in the seat on the abutment member, and is retained in a retainer ring which in turn is in swivel engagement with a concave inner surface of a cavity in a cap which is secured in a recess in a dental appliance such as a denture, partial denture, or the like.
US08512032B2
A multi-axis injection molding apparatus is provided with a fixed platen, a movable platen, a plurality of injection devices, and an intermediate platen disposed between a fixed mold and the fixed platen. The intermediate platen includes a runner adapted to supply a molten resin from a single in-line injection apparatus to the plurality of injection devices.
US08512024B2
Multiple extrusion drive motors are nested in an overlapping configuration that permits re-use of the drive axes to support drive gears and complementary guide bearings, resulting in a compact arrangement of independently controllable extruders for multiple build materials.
US08512018B2
A hydraulic device has an inlet side and an outlet side and includes two meshing cogwheels. Each cogwheel has external oblique teeth and is arranged between an inlet side and an outlet side. At least one control groove is provided on an end side of the cogwheels. The control groove periodically produces a pressure equalizing connection during the rotation of the cogwheels.
US08512016B2
The present invention provides a dry pump including: a center cylinder which includes: a plurality of pump chambers containing an upper stage pump chamber that communicates with an intake port and a lower stage pump chamber that communicates with a discharge port; a plurality of rotors contained in the plurality of the pump chambers; a rotating shaft that is a rotation axis of the rotor; and a side face on which a communication hole is formed, the side face being intersected by the rotating shaft extending in the axial direction, and being provided adjacent to the lower stage pump chamber, and a side cover which covers the side face with the communication hole to form a space.
US08512009B2
A downhole pump is operated by a non-electric motor preferably a steam turbine. In a steam assisted gravity drain system the producing well is U-shaped. A steam supply line runs into the turbine that drives the pump after the steam supply passes through a packer. The steam exhaust runs through a shroud until the U-shaped well turns back to go up to the surface. Pump suction is thus separated from steam discharge to reduce mixing as the path of least resistance for the discharged steam when it exits the shroud is up to the surface. The exhaust steam keeps the produced fluids warm and flowing. An injector well runs parallel and slightly above the horizontal portion of the U-shaped producing well.
US08511998B2
A slurry pump impeller which includes a front shroud and a back shroud each having an inner main face with an outer peripheral edge and a central axis, a plurality of pumping vanes extending between the inner main faces of the shrouds, the pumping vanes being disposed in spaced apart relation. Each pumping vane includes a leading edge in the region of the central axis and a trailing edge in the region of the outer peripheral edges of the shrouds with a passageway between adjacent pumping vanes. Each passageway has associated therewith a discharge guide vane, each discharge guide vane being disposed within a respective passageway and located closer to one or the other of the pumping vanes and projecting from the inner main face of at least one of the or each shrouds.
US08511997B2
An elastomeric spherical bearing includes a multiple of elastomeric layers with an essentially equivalent fatigue life.
US08511996B2
The invention relates to a blade for wind-power generators. The inventive blade is divided transversely into two or more independent sections, each section comprising aerodynamic skins or walls (3) and an inner longitudinal reinforcing structure (4). In addition, the ends of the aforementioned sections are equipped with connection means comprising metal inserts (10) which are housed and fixed axially inside the walls of the inner longitudinal resistant structure.
US08511992B2
Contaminant build-up and cooling airflow looses are reduced in a turbine airfoil by joining root and airfoil cooling air passages thereof with a transition passage.
US08511976B2
In accordance with one embodiment, a system includes a multi-stage turbine including a first turbine stage including a first wheel having multiple first slots spaced circumferentially about the first wheel, and multiple first blade segments each coupled to at least one of the multiple first slots. The multi-stage turbine also includes a second turbine stage including a second wheel having multiple second slots spaced circumferentially about the second wheel, and multiple second blade segments each coupled to at least one of the multiple second slots. The multi-stage turbine further includes a one-piece interstage seal extending axially between the first and second turbine stages, wherein the one-piece interstage seal comprises a first radial support coupled to the first wheel and a second radial support coupled to the second wheel, and the one-piece interstage seal extends circumferentially across at least two of the multiple first slots or at least two of the multiple second slots.
US08511975B2
A system for supporting a shroud used in an engine has a shroud positioned radially outboard of a rotor, which shroud has a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots; a forward support ring for supporting the shroud; the forward support ring having a plurality of spaced apart first tabs on a first side for functioning as anti-rotation devices; the forward support ring having a plurality of spaced apart second tabs on a second side; and the second tabs engaging the slots in the shroud and circumferentially supporting the shroud.
US08511973B2
A guide system for translating components of an aircraft engine nacelle includes a track assembly and a slider assembly. The track assembly includes a track guide member having a track channel. The slider assembly translatably engages the track assembly. The slider assembly includes a slider body configured to be received within the track channel. The slider assembly further includes a slider arm member pivotably coupled to the slider body with a hinge joint disposed within the track channel. The slider arm member extends from the body portion and outwardly of the track assembly. Associated apparatuses are also provided.
US08511970B2
A plug assembly is disclosed herein for a borescope inspection path defined through apertures in spaced walls. The plug assembly includes a first plug operable to at least partially close a first aperture in an inner wall. The plug assembly also includes a second plug operable to at least partially close a second aperture in an outer wall. The plug assembly also includes a member extending along an axis and connecting the first and second plugs together in spaced relation to one another along the axis. The member is operable to elastically buckle.
US08511968B2
Turbine vane for a gas turbine engine having serpentine cooling channels with internal flow blockers
A turbine vane for a gas turbine engine with an internal cooling system formed from a serpentine cooling channel with one or more flow blocking ribs is disclosed. The serpentine cooling channels may be configured to receive cooling fluids from internal cooling fluids supply channels. The serpentine cooling channels may include flow blocking ribs to form concurrent flow channels to reduce the cross-sectional area within the midchord region of the airfoil to maintain the internal through flow channel Mach number. The flow blocking ribs may include slots therein and may have any appropriate configuration. In at least one embodiment, the flow blocking ribs may be have a nonuniform taper or a uniformed taper.
US08511963B1
A method and apparatus for a pipe handling assembly is disclosed. A pipe handling assembly is provided that has a pusher member, trough, and elevation feature. A pipe component is transported from a first position of the trough to a second position with the pusher member. The pipe component is elevated to a predetermined height through engagement with the elevation feature that is stationary during the pipe component's movement.
US08511961B2
A fastener and a method for reducing wear on a driver blade in a fastening tool includes applying a layer of solid-based lubricant between the head of a fastener and a driver blade end. The fastener is for use in a fastening tool and includes a head, a shank, and a layer of lubricant on the head of the fastener. The lubricant is graphite, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, boron nitride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nano-diamonds, calcium stearate, sodium stearate, oils, greases, waxes, thermoplastic polymers, or another lubricant that exhibits similar characteristics. Aromatic polyamides (such as Kevlar™), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, powdered glass, glass fibers, thermoplastic polymers, and thermoset polymers also are contemplate to provide a barrier to contact between the driver blade and fastener head. The lubricant is sprayed, rolled, brushed, blotted or otherwise applied between the head of the fastener and the driver blade end prior to firing the fastening tool.
US08511959B2
A screw tightening structure includes an indented concave recess formed on a screw, and mating convex sections provided on a screw tightening tool for tightening the screw: the recess and the mating convex sections including three or more torque transfer portions, respectively, which protrude outward and are disposed at equiangular intervals for concentrically mating engagements; rotating the screw tightening tool causing the torque transfer portions of the mating convex sections to transfer a tightening torque to the screw via the torque transfer portions of the recess; under which outer circumferential edge portions of the torque transfer portions of the mating convex sections to be brought into abutting contact with sidewall of the torque transfer portions of the recess with the tightening torque being transferred to the screw via force application points Q representing resulting abutment portions.
US08511953B2
A system includes a nut plate and a polymer sleeve passing through the nut plate. The polymer sleeve contains adhesive for attachment of the nut plate to a substrate. The interior of the sleeve includes an epoxy and a catalyzing agent initially separated from one another, but mixed by kneading the sleeve. A portion of the sleeve can be used to apply the adhesive to a bottom surface of the nut plate.
US08511946B2
A boring tool including a body, at least a cutting element mounted to the body, and at least a pad spring mounted to the body.
US08511935B1
A pavement dowel bar assembly is reinforced to maintain the alignment of dowel bars during the paving process. An exemplary dowel bar assembly includes a side frame having at least one bracing member. The bracing member is convertible between a first, stored position and a second, deployed position. When in the first, stored position, the bracing member is generally parallel to a plane defined by the side frame. In the second, deployed position, the bracing member is at an angle relative to the plane of the side frame. The dowel bar assembly may further include a plurality of dowel bars and a second side frame. Also described herein are methods of reinforcing a pavement dowel bar assembly with a convertible bracing member.
US08511924B2
A dispenser for viscous materials has a housing with a moveable wall that divides the interior volume of the housing into a distal product chamber and a proximal pressure chamber. An outlet from the product chamber is located adjacent to the distal end of the housing and an air inlet is provided to allow air to enter the pressure chamber. Displacement of the product occurs when accumulated excess air pressure in the pressure chamber acts on the back of the movable wall. The excess air pressure is built up by a bellows assembly arranged in fluid communication with the pressure chamber. On actuation, the bellows can be reduced in volume and subsequently recover by entry of air through the inlet. The direction of force application is preferably perpendicular to the housing axis and the location of the bellows is preferably distant from the product outlet.
US08511923B2
A hand-held dispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid, a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, the frangible applicator tip comprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and a frangible region there between. More preferably, the applicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover disposed around the frangible region to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member.
US08511912B2
An optical fiber module includes an optical transmission line and a fiber stub structure. The optical transmission line has an optical fiber core, a coating enclosing the optical fiber core and a buffer layer enclosing the coating. A part of the optical fiber core is exposed to outer side of a free end of the optical transmission line. The fiber stub structure includes a sleeve and a ferrule. The sleeve has an internal central hole for accommodating the optical transmission line and an oblique hole in communication with the central hole for accommodating the ferrule. The ferrule has an internal passageway for accommodating a part of the optical fiber core of the optical transmission line. When installed, under the restriction of the oblique hole, the ferrule is disposed in the sleeve in an inclined state.
US08511908B2
A connector has first and second connector units, each unit incorporating an oil-filled chamber housing one or more contact elements to be joined. At least one connector unit has a face seal assembly which seals the forward end of the contact chamber in the unmated condition. The face seal assembly comprises three elements. One element is an annular elastomeric seal situated radially outward. The two other elements are inner seal elements which are pressed together radially to form a substantially disc-like shape. The resulting disc-like shaped seal fills the central, circular end face opening of the outer annular seal. As the connector units are mated, elements of the elastomeric face seal assembly are displaced, one axially, and others both axially and radially, creating an opening between the oil-filled chambers that is sealed from the outside environment.
US08511901B2
An image recording apparatus converts a frame number of stream data of a moving image signal recorded at a high speed frame rate and generates stream data of a low speed frame rate. The image recording apparatus records in a recording medium, already recorded stream data of a low speed frame rate and the generated stream data of a low speed frame rate so that both stream data can be continuously reproduced.
US08511895B2
A biodegradable lawn waste collection system is provided. The system generally includes a waste receiver, a shaping insert, and a handle. The waste receiver may comprise a mesh structure having a filling end and a sealing end. The mesh structure may be formed from a biodegradable polymer composition. The shaping insert is configured for removable reception within the filling end of the waste receiver. The shaping insert provides the waste receiver with rigidity and stability when filling the waste receiver with lawn waste. After the waste receiver has been filled with lawn waste, the shaping inert is removed and the filling end is secured, such as by tying a knot. The full waste receiver is then releasably attached to the handle, which enables the full waste receiver to be easily carried or dragged to a desired destination.
US08511889B2
A mixer for mixing a fluid having a property varying along a flow direction of the fluid includes an inlet configured for receiving an inlet flow, an outlet configured for providing an outlet flow, and a plurality of flow channels coupled between the inlet and the outlet. The mixer also includes a flow distributor for distributing the inlet flow into the plurality of flow channels so that each flow channel receives a partial flow from the inlet flow, and a flow combiner for combining the partial flows from the plurality of flow channels to the outlet flow. Each flow channel has a first flow section having a hydraulic resistance substantially representing a hydraulic resistance of the flow channel. One or more of the flow channels each have a second flow section coupled in series with the first flow section of the respective flow channel.
US08511875B2
The present invention relates to a lighting unit for vehicles, comprising a light source arranged on a circuit board and further comprising an optical attachment mounted in the direction of light emission in front of the light source, said optical attachment comprising at least one holding turret on one of the sides facing the circuit board such that, at its mounting position, the holding turret slots into a hole drilled into the circuit board, wherein the optical attachment is positive-locking to a holding body arranged on one of the sides facing away from the light source, wherein the holding body is molded to a carrier frame, and wherein the holding body or the carrier frame snaps on to the optical attachment.
US08511868B2
A high-intensity discharge lighting fixture of the type having an optics housing and optics components mounted therein, the fixture comprises a ballast housing having a first member and a second member including at least one airflow channel integrally formed therein, the airflow channel is positioned immediately adjacent the optics housing and is adapted to facilitate free airflow between the ballast housing and the optics housing whereby heat is dissipated from the lighting fixture to the atmosphere.
US08511864B2
An apparatus and method is characterized by providing an optical transfer function between a predetermined illuminated surface pattern, such as a street light pattern, and a predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source, such as that from an LED. A lens is formed having a shape defined by the optical transfer function. The optical transfer function is derived by generating an energy distribution pattern using the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. Then the projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is generated. The projection is then compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern to determine if it acceptably matches. The process continues reiteratively until an acceptable match is achieved. Alternatively, the lens shape is numerically or analytically determined by a functional relationship between the shape and the predetermined illuminated surface pattern and predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source as inputs.
US08511859B2
A mounting mechanism for a laser or reflector may consist of a gross adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism. The gross adjustment mechanism may enable a laser or reflector to be oriented in an approximate orientation and locked in place. The fine adjustment mechanism may enable a fine and precise adjustment to be applied. The mounting mechanisms may include a mounting plate that may mount to the surface of a wall and protect the rest of the mounting mechanism from disruption, but may also allow the fine adjustment mechanism to be tuned. The mounting mechanisms may be used to create a durable yet easily adjustable laser maze amusement.
US08511851B2
Solid state luminaires and light engines comprising a first group of solid state emitters comprising a first emitter emitting above the black body locus (BBL) in a CIE diagram, and a second emitter emitting below the BBL. The combination of light from the first and second emitters generates an emission color point within a standard deviation of the BBL. A second group of solid state emitters is included, the combination of light from the first and second groups of emitters causes emission within a standard deviation of the black body locus (BBL), wherein varying the intensity of the second group of emitters causes emission from the first and second groups of emitters to vary within a range of color temperatures while still emitting within the standard deviation of the BBL.
US08511842B1
The present invention relates to a system for modifying wavefronts of electromagnetic waves. The system includes a flexible mirror having an obverse surface and a reverse surface. The obverse surface has a contour configured to reflect the electromagnetic waves. The system also includes a plurality of actuators positioned along the reverse surface of the mirror for applying at least one transverse magnetic force to the flexible mirror to modify the contour of the obverse surface. Modifying the contour of the obverse surface of the mirror modifies the wavefronts of the electromagnetic waves.
US08511835B2
A CPU generates an image by performing inverse projection transformation for an input image by using an inverse matrix of a matrix which enlarges a size of the input image. When a position A on the input image is transformed into a position B on the generated image by the inverse projection transformation, the CPU obtains a ratio of a distance between pixels around the position B to a distance between pixels around the position A. The CPU calculates filter coefficients for a low-pass filter using a product of a Nyquist frequency of the input image and the ratio as a cutoff frequency. The CPU obtains a sum of results obtained by multiplying pixel values of pixels in a pixel array including the position A in the input image by the filter coefficients, as a pixel value at the position A in an image having undergone filter processing.
US08511830B2
The focus position of each projection apparatus is changed depending on the configuration state of a projection system comprising a plurality of projection apparatuses.
US08511829B2
An image processing apparatus processes image data corresponding to a display image. The image processing apparatus includes M image processing sections which have a function of processing image data of M (where M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) images segmented from the image and an image processing control section which, when an image corresponding to input image data is an image which has a resolution being of size to be processable by N (where N is an integer equal to or smaller than M−1) image processing sections, causes L image processing sections from among the M image processing sections to process image data corresponding to L (where L is an integer equal to or greater than N+1 and equal to or smaller than M) partial images segmented from image data.
US08511825B2
The present invention relates to an Illuminating device for an operating microscope in ophthalmic surgery, having at least one light source (151), at least one lens (152, 155), at least one luminous field diaphragm (153), and at least one optical deflector (156), wherein in order to provide an illumination beam path (119) light from the light source (151) is guided through a main objective (107) which is disposed between the deflector (156) and an eye (180) that is to be observed, and on to the eye that is to be observed, wherein a device (154) that can be introduced into the illumination beam path (119) for acting upon the illumination beam path (119) with a structure that comprises transparent and non-transparent or opaque regions such that this structure can be imaged on or close to the retina (180b) of the eye (180) that is to be observed.
US08511814B2
A pigment dispersion containing a metal pigment, wherein the metal pigment contains plate-like particles, and in the case where the longitudinal diameter on the planar surface of the plate-like particle is X, the lateral diameter is Y, and the thickness is Z, the 50% average particle diameter R50 of a corresponding circle determined from the surface area in the X-Y plane of the plate-like particle is between 0.5 and 3 μm, and the condition R5O/Z>5 is satisfied.
US08511804B2
The invention relates to an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer. The ink cartridge comprises a cartridge body and a detection mechanism for detecting the ink cartridge and residual quantity of ink, wherein the cartridge body comprises an ink tank for storing ink, an ink outlet for supplying ink to a printing head of the printer and an air inlet, the ink tank comprises a first ink chamber and a second ink chamber, a first negative pressure mechanism and a second negative pressure mechanism are arranged between the first ink chamber and the second cavity, the first negative pressure mechanism and the second negative pressure mechanism cooperatively control the ink inside the first ink chamber to be consumed preferentially than the ink inside the second ink chamber, and the second negative pressure mechanism generates negative pressure when a certain quantity of ink inside the ink tank is used for printing. Since negative pressure inside the ink tank is not generated until the used ink inside the ink tank reaches a certain quantity, i.e., negative pressure is generated only in case that the residual quantity of ink is small in the end, the technical problem that constant negative pressure in the process of using the ink cartridge leads to the damage and deformation of the parts inside the ink cartridge which impact on the quality of printing can be avoided.
US08511799B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a lead-free piezoelectric film including a lead-free ferroelectric material and having low dielectric loss and high piezoelectric performance comparable to that of PZT, and a method of manufacturing the lead-free piezoelectric film.The present invention is directed to a piezoelectric film comprising a (NaxBiy)TiO0.5x+1.5y+2—BaTiO3 layer with a (110) orientation, where 0.30≦x≦0. 46 and 0.51≦y≦0.62.
US08511797B2
An ink introducing port is provided on the upstream side of the center of a row of pressure chambers in the direction of gravity g, the pressure due to ink introduction is applied to a region where the influence by the head is small.
US08511788B2
An image recording method of recording a desired image on a recording medium by a recording head having recording elements which form pixels on the recording medium, while moving at least one of the recording medium and the recording head relatively to each other in a prescribed conveyance direction, the method includes: a defective recording element information acquisition step of acquiring defective recording element information including position information of defective recording elements included in the recording elements; and a defective recording element compensation step of performing compensation for the defective recording elements by using compensation recording elements in accordance with a distance between a pair of the defective recording elements derived from the position information, the compensation recording elements being of normal recording elements included in the recording elements situated nearby the pair of the defective recording elements.
US08511778B1
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a handheld image translation device are described herein. The handheld image translation device may include an image capture module to capture surface images of a medium and a positioning module to determine positioning information based at least in part on navigational measurements and/or the captured surface images. A print module of the handheld image translation device may cause print forming substances to be deposited based at least in part on the positioning information. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08511777B2
A first and a second nozzle array eject a first and a second fluid, respectively. A control section controls the nozzle arrays while relatively shifting a relative position between the nozzle arrays and a medium. When printing normally, the relative position between the nozzle arrays and the medium is shifted towards one side by a transporting distance. When forming a second image using the second fluid over a first image formed using the first fluid, the second image's nozzles are located towards the one side relative to the first image's nozzles. When printing near an edge of the medium, a non-ejection one of the nozzles is located towards the one side of the first image's nozzles, and is located towards the other side of the second image's nozzles. A length of a region to which the non-ejection nozzle belongs is an integral multiple of the transporting distance.
US08511775B2
To provide a technique for largely preventing conspicuous banding from appearing in printed images, a print head is provided with three nozzle rows in which a plurality of nozzles are arrayed in a sub-scanning direction, the nozzle rows being spaced apart in a main scanning direction. In two nozzle rows among the three nozzle rows, the positions of the nozzles in the sub-scanning direction are mutually the same, and in one nozzle row among the three nozzle rows, the positions of the nozzles the sub-scanning direction lie between nozzles of the two nozzle rows in the sub-scanning direction. The three nozzle rows can eject ink of the same hue.
US08511770B2
A source image is converted to a printable image that is constrained to a bi-directional gamut achievable by both a forward-first print mode and a reverse-first print mode. While the printable image is printed, a print system alternates between forward and reverse passes. The print system uses a forward-first color map during the forward passes and a different reverse-first color map during the reverse passes.
US08511767B2
A consumer appliance, such as a refrigerator, is provided with a compartment with a basket assembly, which may be configured on a pull-out drawer so as to move into and out of the compartment with the pull-out drawer. The basket assembly includes a first basket component and a second basket component releasably engaged with the first basket component along mating edges of the respective basket components, wherein in an engaged state, the first and second basket components define a singular continuous wall basket. At least one of the first or second basket components is releasable and removable from the pull-out drawer.
US08511766B2
A refrigeration device is provided with a housing having an interior and at least one housing part. The housing and the at least one housing part are interlinked to form a single unit. A sealing profile is arranged in the form of a frame-type structure between surfaces of the walls of the housing facing each other. The sealing profile consists of a compressible foam strand that is provided with a diffusion-inhibiting membrane extending between the surfaces.
US08511758B2
In a brake system, when setting a control origin position for a resolver for detecting a moved position of a booster piston, communication between a master cylinder and wheel cylinders is interrupted by cut valves. Thereafter, the booster piston is moved forward by an electric actuator in a direction in which a hydraulic pressure is generated so that a position detected by the resolver upon detection of generation of the hydraulic pressure by a hydraulic pressure sensor (position at a time of generation of hydraulic pressure) is obtained. A position obtained by moving backward the position at the time of generation of hydraulic pressure by a predetermined amount is set as the control origin position.
US08511744B2
On a body structure (2) for an automobile (1) having a structural component (3) made of at least high-strength steel sheet, the structural component (3) is provided with a predetermined cutting location (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) for applying a separating tool. In the method for producing the structural component (3), a steel sheet is formed and subjected to heat treatment for forming regions with high strength and reduced strength. At least one region of the structural component (3, 7, 8, 12) with reduced strength is formed as a predetermined cutting location (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) for applying a separating tool during a hot-forming process of a steel sheet in a tool or during heat treatment of the structural component (3, 7, 8, 12) following a forming process in a tool by changing the mechanical properties.
US08511741B2
A recreational vehicle having a chassis with integral cap is provided. The recreational vehicle includes a cap having a front end and a back end and a pair of opposing sides. A roof encloses a portion of the top of the cap and the cap defines a driving space. The chassis is designed to house an engine block in a rear thereof, and support a living space thereon. The cap is configured for abutted contact with the living space such that the recreational vehicle has a continuous interior living space that includes the driving space.
US08511738B2
A dual hinged door assembly for a vehicle is provided, the assembly including an upper door portion and a lower door portion. The upper door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof. The lower door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems may be used to provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. Each drive system may include a powered strut, e.g., a hydraulic strut, and a non-powered strut, e.g., a gas strut.
US08511737B2
A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook, a coupling device, a driving apparatus, and a sensor. The locking hook has a gripping end and a bearing end. The coupling device is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook. The bearing end is movably mounted to the coupling device to be horizontally adjustable with the coupling device in the longitudinal direction of the locking hook between closed and opened positions. The driving arm drives the locking hook to move the locking hook between the closed and opened positions. The sensor is configured to sense when the locking hook is in the closed and opened positions.
US08511729B2
According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a pair of shaft portions each comprising a handle slidably coupled to a base. Each handle includes a first impact surface and each base includes a second impact surface. The handles are slidable relative to the bases such that the first impact surfaces of the handles impact the second impact surfaces of respective bases. The apparatus also includes a pair of blades each coupled to the base of a respective one of the shaft portions to form respective halves of the apparatus. Further, the apparatus includes a pivot connection that pivotally couples the halves together at a location between the bases and blades of the respective halves such that movement of the handles away from each other moves the blades toward each other, and movement of the handles toward each other moves the blades away from each other.
US08511728B2
A waste collection device comprising a handle having a grip end and a head end; a head assembly mounted to the head end of the handle defining an opening for receiving and attaching a bag comprising: a symmetric head structure; a pair of peg supports on either side of the head structure; a pair of arm supports mounted to the head structure and extending away from the head structure; and a blade having blade arm portions mounted to the pair of arm supports and a flat spade portion on a first side for scooping waste droppings from a flat surface into the bag, and a rounded tongue for scooping waste from an irregular surface into the bag; such that the bag fits in the opening formed by the head assembly, is folded over the arm supports and the a portion of the blade, and is secured to the head assembly.
US08511727B2
A bracket for attaching and aligning a forward-looking radar (FLR) having a front face is disclosed according to one embodiment. The bracket includes a bracket frame having an attachment feature for attaching the FLR to the bracket frame. The bracket also includes a first mounting feature extending from the bracket frame for coupling the bracket face and the first mounting surface of the conveyance to define a first mounting surface angle. The bracket also includes a bracket member extending from the bracket frame. The bracket member includes an end portion disposed proximate to the bracket face and a distal end portion, which includes a second mounting feature for coupling the bracket member and the second mounting surface thereby defining a second mounting surface angle and aligning the FLR front face to an alignment angle.
US08511724B2
An improved window sash latch which has a locking mechanism and a keeper is provided with a handle that rotates from a “locked” to an “unlocked” position. An inner cavity of the handle has a spring assembly having a sliding part that can be forced into a detent as the handle slides around a cylindrical extension of an outer surface of the latch. The detents correspond to a “locked” and an “unlocked” position of the latch. The latch also provides two cams where both cams revolve relative to each other; one cam is activated by the handle through the handle's shaft, the other cam engages the keeper, and both cams engage each other.
US08511720B2
A coupler which is adapted to be connected to a complementary device for the transfer of a fluid between the coupler to the complementary device comprises a body through which the fluid is allowed to flow, at least one seal for providing a fluid-tight seal between the coupler and the complementary device, and a protecting device for the seal. The protecting device is movable between a first position before connection in which the protecting device projects beyond the seal in the direction of connection, and a second position after connection in which the protecting device no longer projects beyond the seal. The coupler also includes a damper for urging the protecting device towards its first position.
US08511708B2
A passenger airbag module includes a housing, an inflator generating gas pressure according to a control signal of an electronic control unit, and an airbag cushion folded in the housing such that the airbag cushion is expanded in the form of a dual chamber. The airbag cushion is provided therein with a tether having a rectangular shape corresponding to a sectional shape of the airbag cushion. The tether is installed in the transverse direction to divide the airbag cushion into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Transfer holes are formed at edges of the tether. In the passenger airbag module, the upper chamber is primarily expanded by concentrating gas flow into the upper chamber to instantly deploy the airbag cushion in the proper position, thereby safely protecting the occupants.
US08511700B1
A master device for a closed hydraulic system of handlebar-steered vehicles includes a basic body and a pressure chamber in which, in the event of actuation of the master device in order to actuate a slave device, hydraulic fluid is placed under pressure. The master device includes a hydraulic line connecting element having a connecting piece for connecting a hydraulic line and a thread section for screwing into the basic body. An air bleed opening bleeds the hydraulic system. The hydraulic line connecting element and the basic body form a valve that closes the connection between the pressure chamber and the air bleed opening when the hydraulic line connecting element is fully screwed in to the basic body.
US08511698B2
A suspension system of the present invention pivotally supports a wheel of a motor vehicle. An upper control arm and a lower control arm are cooperable with a spindle, which supports the wheel. A vibration damper is cooperable with the upper control arm. A link interconnects the lower control arm and one of the terminal ends of the vibration damper thereby defining a common axis bisecting the link. The vibration damper moves along the common axis to absorb vibration transferred from a road surface and through the wheel.
US08511697B2
The invention relates to an arrangement of a stabilizer (26), which is configured in two parts, on a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, comprising torsion bars (26b) which are separated from each other and are each articulated on wheel suspension elements (16) by means of an output lever (26a) and can be co-rotated in the same or opposite direction by means of associated actuating devices (30), wherein each torsion bar (26b) is extended with a hollow shaft (26e) which encompasses the torsion bar (26b) in order to increase the effective torsion length, the output lever (26a) being formed on the hollow shaft. According to the invention, the torsion bar (26b) is mounted in a fixed bearing (59) in the actuating device (30) and in an axial loose bearing (26d) in the hollow shaft (26e).
US08511692B2
A chuck including a body having a tail section and a nose section defining an axial bore. A plurality of jaws are movably disposed with respect to the axial bore and a nut is in threaded engagement with the jaws. A sleeve engages the nut so that rotation of the sleeve moves the jaws. A first ring defines a plurality of teeth and a second ring is rotatable relative to the nut over a limited arc and defines at least one pawl. In a first state, the second ring is non-rotatable relative to the first ring in both the opening and closing directions, and in a second state the first and second rings are rotatable about the body, and the second ring is rotatable relative to the first ring in the closing direction.
US08511690B2
A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.
US08511682B2
A roulette board, including a roulette wheel on which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a circumferential direction of the roulette wheel, a plurality of ball reception portions that are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of symbols, the plurality of ball reception portions being configured to receive a ball that rolls on the roulette wheel, a banked passage that is endlessly provided along an outer circumference of the roulette wheel, and allows the ball to roll in a circumferential orbit, and a ball discharging mechanism that is provided with a ball discharging member and discharges the ball received in one of the plurality of ball reception portions from the one of the plurality of ball reception portions toward the banked passage by bringing the ball discharging member into contact with the ball.
US08511679B2
A sheet processing device in the form of an offset stacker, a sheet fence (103, 104) is provided on a side of sheets (S) to be processed stacked on a stack tray (3) opposite from a jogger (101, 102) so that the sheet fence accurately defines a final offset position of the sheets. When a transient offset position at which the sheets are stacked on the stack tray varies from one sheet to another, the side edges of sheets selected for offset stacking can be lined up without fail owing to the jogging action of the jogger and the supporting action of the sheet fence. A pair of joggers may be arranged on either side of the sheets, along with a pair of corresponding sheets fences on the opposing sides. The jogger and sheet fence on a same side may be supported by a common moveable frame (107, 108).
US08511661B2
A positioning fixture assembly includes a support member, a first clamping member, and a second clamping member. The support member includes a substantially cylindrical connecting portion and a supporting portion. A number of receiving grooves are defined in the connecting portion. The supporting portion includes a first surface. The first clamping member defines a first receiving slot and includes a first mounting surface and a first resisting surface. At least one projection projects from the bottom surface of the receiving slot. The connecting portion is received in the first and second receiving slots and is clamped by the first and second clamping members. The at least one projection is selectively received in the receiving grooves so that an angle is defined between the first surface and the first mounting surface.
US08511653B2
In an air spring for a railway vehicle or the like, an upper end 3a of the flexible member 3 is attached to the upper face plate 1 at a position that is further on an outer side in a radial direction than the concave section 7. A lower end 3b of the flexible member 3 is attached to the lower face plate 2 at a position that is further on an outer side in a radial direction than the deflation stopper section 5. The deflation stopper section 5 is formed so as to have a height such that the upper end 3a and the lower end 3b of the flexible member do not contact as a result of a relative displacement in the horizontal direction between the upper face plate 1 and the lower face plate 2 at a time of deflation.
US08511650B2
A carburetor assembly includes a carburetor (9) wherein a section of an intake channel (10) is configured. A throttle element and a choke element are pivotally journalled in this intake channel (10). A first coupling element is fixedly connected to the throttle element so as to pivot therewith and a second coupling element is fixedly connected to the choke element so as to pivot therewith. The first and second coupling elements form a blocking arrangement which prevents an engagement of the choke element when the throttle element is not actuated.
US08511648B2
A fence system includes a first extruded lineal extending lengthwise along a first longitudinal axis. The first lineal has a sidewall with at least a first slot in the sidewall and the first slot extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The fence system also includes a second extruded lineal extending lengthwise along a second longitudinal axis. The second extruded lineal includes at least a corresponding first attachment leg extending outward from the second extruded lineal and parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first attachment leg is integrally extruded with the second extruded lineal and is received in the first slot to secure together the first and second extruded lineals.
US08511637B2
A bearing (3), preferably elastomeric, which can be employed in machine construction (1), in particular for generators of wind turbines. The bearing (3), owing to its design, can be positioned both in the vertical and also in the horizontal direction under load at any time in such a way that any present drive/gear shafts are aligned with one another.
US08511634B2
An antenna holder to be mounted on a car body part of a motor vehicle having an opening, in particular a motor vehicle roof, having an antenna base and an anchoring device projecting beyond the antenna base, whose outer cross section is smaller than the opening cross section of the opening. The preassembled anchoring device includes an anchoring claw having a plurality of spreadable arms, a spreading element for spreading apart the arms and an actuating member for the approach of the spreading element to the antenna base while the spreading apart of the arms takes place.
US08511631B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembling structure including: a mounting member having a mounting seat; and a clip having a head and a leg. The head includes: a neck portion; and first and second flanges outwardly protrudes therefrom to sandwich the mounting seat therebetween, wherein the mounting seat includes: a hole having a diameter larger than that of the neck portion; a groove formed to communicate the hole with outside the mounting seat; and a projection protruding from a peripheral edge of the hole, wherein the second flange includes: an inner face radially-outwardly extending therefrom to gradually come close to the first flange; a top portion; and an outer face further extending to gradually separate from the first flange, and wherein the inner face abuts the projection in an assembled state.
US08511627B2
An apparatus (10) for arranging and fastening electrical units (152, 154, 156), in particular in a switch gear cabinet (1), has a mount element (14). On the fitting side of the mounting element, a module mount (150) with at least one electrical unit (152, 154, 156) can be fastened. The mount element (14) has a groove (16) extending in a longitudinal direction and open towards the fitting side. The module mount (150) can be suspended in the groove in an optional position in the longitudinal direction of the groove (16). The groove (16) is shaped such that, owing to the force of the weight acting on the suspended module mount (150), the module mount (150) is arranged on the mount element (14).
US08511619B2
An aircraft slat deployment mechanism including a first drive member coupled to a slat at a first pivot point and a second drive member coupled to the slat at a second pivot point offset from the first pivot point. A first rack is provided on the first drive member, and a first pinion is carried by the drive shaft. The first pinion is arranged to transmit mechanical power from the drive shaft to the first drive member via the first rack. A second rack is provided on the second drive member, and a second pinion is carried by the drive shaft. The second pinion has a different radius to the first pinion. The second pinion is arranged to transmit mechanical power from the drive shaft to the second drive member via the second rack, such that the first and second drive members move at a different speed.
US08511610B2
An aircraft door closing device, and an aircraft incorporating such a device. The door includes a leaf and, connected to the aircraft fuselage, a frame including an opening configured to take the leaf, the leaf adopting a closed position to block the opening and another position to reveal the opening. The device includes a bearing mechanism, some on the leaf and some on the frame, each formed by a crenelated structure, two crenelated structures being arranged such that the teeth of one pass through notches of the other as the leaf moves from one position to the other, and such that the teeth of the leaf structure bear, in the closed position, on the inside face of the corresponding teeth of the frame structure.
US08511609B2
Apparatus and method for controlling the orientation of a fundamental panel vibration mode shape of a structure, such as a skin panel of a fuselage of an aircraft, relative to the direction of a turbulent boundary layer flow over the fuselage, and in a manner to achieve a level of noise reduction within the fuselage. The fuselage is constructed either through orientating stringers and/or frame members, or by using stiffening members placed diagonally between the stringers and frame members, in a manner that produces a fundamental panel vibration mode shape that extends at an angle of between about 30°-45° relative to the direction of the turbulent boundary layer flow over the fuselage. Aligning the fundamental panel vibration mode shape at an angle of between about 30°-45° relative to the direction of the turbulent boundary layer flow results in a reduction of the vibration response of the skin panel, and thus a reduction in the noise level within the fuselage.
US08511608B1
A method and apparatus for controlling a movement of a control surface comprises a first linkage system, a second linkage system, and an actuator system. The first linkage system is connected to a first location of a control surface. The second linkage system is connected to a second location of the control surface. The first location is closer to a leading edge of the control surface than the second location. The actuator system is configured to move the first linkage system and the second linkage system.
US08511598B2
The invention relates to a system of dispensing a product rolled around an element such as a tube (50), such product defining a structure such as a cylinder, and such system comprising in particular: a frame, a means of support and connection of the roll in the frame. It is claimed for the invention that the tube (50) includes an electrically conductive element (50c) designed to operate in conjunction with an element of the frame so as together to form an electric circuit element.
US08511574B1
Advanced loyalty applications are provided to improve the functionality of cards and devices. For example, a user interface may be placed on a card (e.g., a physical button) or a telephonic device (e.g., a virtual button on a capacitive touch screen). Manual input provided to this user interface may, for example, cause a non-merchant product (e.g., insurance) to be purchased with a merchant purchase. The product can be paid for with debit, credit, gift card balance, or points. A code indicative of a user's desire to purchase the product may be communicated to a payment card reader (e.g., to a magnetic stripe reader via a magnetic stripe communications device). A display may be provided next to a button to allow a user to scroll, or toggle by pressing the button repeatedly, through different products (which may be merchant or non-merchant products).
US08511562B2
The present invention provides a layered two-dimensional code which can be considerably improved in the data capacity thereof without increasing the area thereof by integrating a plurality of two-dimensional codes by a predetermined correlation and expressing it as one two-dimensional code, a method of creating the layered two-dimensional code, and a method of reading the layered two-dimensional code. The layered two-dimensional code is formed as a surface layer by layering a plurality of code layers (for example, code layers 1, 2, and 3) each having information cells (1a′, 1a″, and the like) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and by integrating the plurality of code layers. An index information code 1c essentially including the information of an RGB value of each code layer is included at one part of the surface layer. When the information cells (1a′ and 1a″) of the code layers 1 and 2 are superposed.
US08511559B2
Targets associated with transactions to be processed at a workstation are read by capturing return light from the targets with an array of light sensors of a solid-state imager having a field of view that extends through a workstation window to the targets. A controller controls the imager to operate at a frame rate to acquire images of the targets over successive frames in either a batch mode or a free-running mode. A memory stores the acquired images. The controller processes all of the stored images, and processes at least one of the stored images over an extended time period greater than one of the frames.
US08511558B2
Portable smartcard devices, methods of operating smartcard devices, systems including a smartcard device and a terminal, and computer readable storage media including instructions for smartcard devices are provided. According to some embodiments, the smartcard includes a controller for executing commands received from a terminal, where execution of at least one command affects a power consumption of the smartcard device during subsequent execution of at least one other command. Optionally, the command which modifies smartcard power consumption is issued by the terminal in accordance with a power consumption decision.
US08511553B1
A method and processes for a secure real-time processing of purchase validation award requests is described. The method includes processes to submit purchase information on a real-time basis and to check on the status of the processing of the submitted purchase validation award system request also on a real-time basis. The method uses a computer information network to perform the required processes.
US08511547B2
Generating authentication data for use in a transaction by providing a contactless payment device or smart card configured to communicate with a mobile device, placing the contactless chip card in a proximity to the mobile device to instantiate communication between the contactless chip card and the mobile device, inputting a first input value into the mobile device, communicating data derived from the first input value from the mobile device to the contactless chip card, the contactless chip card converting a set of conversion data, including the first input value, into at least one dynamic value based at least in part on a secret value, communicating the dynamic value from the contactless chip card to the mobile device, and communicating authentication data based at least in part on the dynamic value to a user. In some embodiments the first input value is a Personal Identification Number (PIN), a challenge, or both a PIN and a challenge.
US08511546B2
A system includes automated banking machines that operate responsive to data read from data bearing records. Transactions can be carried out through communication with local and remote service providers. An automated banking machine is operable to conduct transactions for machine users responsive to data read from user cards and communication with a transaction host. The machine is operable to provide output signals which drive external displays. The machine is operable to receive visual and/or audio content from remote content sources, store data corresponding to the content, and then output the content through the external displays.
US08511540B2
A content receiver receives an update to a memory unit contained therein utilizing data stored in a data card inserted or incorporated into the content receiver. The content receiver dynamically generates a matrix code based on the updates received in the memory and on information uniquely identifying the content receiver. The matrix code is transmitted to a content display device for display, and a matrix code reader detects the displayed matrix code and transmits information contained within the matrix code to a content provider for updating a user's account associated with the updated content receiver. The content provider may transmit a message to the content receiver for display on the content display device indicating the update to the user's account. The content provider may transit a similar message to the matrix code reader.
US08511528B2
A technique for improving the cooling performance of a combustion chamber in a combustion power tool is provided. The combustion power tool includes first and second combustion chambers, a partition that separates the first combustion chamber from the second combustion chamber, openings, formed in the partition and communicate the first combustion chamber with the second combustion chamber, and a drive section that moves toward a front end by combustion pressure. The combustion pressure is generated when a flow of flammable gas, which is produced by combustion of the flammable gas in the first combustion chamber propagates to the second combustion chamber through the openings, and burns flammable gas in the second combustion chamber. The combustion gas flows from the first combustion chamber to the second combustion chamber in a direction around a central axis of the second combustion chamber while flowing along an inner wall of the second combustion chamber.
US08511525B1
A ladder rack incorporating one or more roller assemblies clamped or otherwise affixed to the side rails of the ladder rack that are made to serve as a fulcrum for facilitating the loading and unloading of ladders onto and from a roof rack mounted atop a cargo van or similar work vehicle.
US08511522B2
A valve having a sleeve comprising a sleeve wall including an inner surface; and a plug positioned within the sleeve, the plug comprising at least one portion that is elastically deformable. The plug forms a blind hole extending into the plug from one end thereof to define a plug side wall, and a flow passage that extends through the plug side wall that is either open or openable. The plug defines a valve closed position in an unstressed state, yet is capable of elastically deforming to define a flow channel between the plug and the sleeve in a valve open position. A dispenser containing such a valve is also provided.
US08511512B2
A chemical product dispenser that controls dispensation of a chemical product based on a change in weight of the chemical product remaining in the dispenser includes an isolation mechanism. The dispenser includes a weight measurement instrument, such as one or more load cells, that measure the weight of the chemical product remaining the dispenser. The isolation mechanism is configured to lift the chemical product from a lowered position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the load cell(s) to a raised position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the isolation mechanism. When in the raised position, the dispenser may be loaded with a supply of chemical product with a reduced risk of damage to the weight measurement instrument.
US08511499B2
A container (210) for holding granular or powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A rotatably removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is pivotally hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the gasket 300 to prevent the contents from spilling. The container (210) incorporates powder control features, a container wall junction (50) preferred geometry and congruent scoop (32) enabling convenient access to the contents, a tolerance variation accommodating and strength improving, J-shaped collar (300) and interlocking indentations (290) and flex clips (310), and a pressure controlling portion (350) that prevents unwanted deformation due to pressure differentials.
US08511496B2
A large container (2) comprising: a base component (3); four circumferentially arranged side walls (4, 8) of which at least one is attached to the base component (3) through at least one hinge and the at least one side wall is thus foldable towards the base component (3); at least one locking device at the foldable side wall (4) for attaching the foldable side wall (4) in folded up condition at least at one side wall (8) which joins the foldable side wall (4), wherein the locking device is arranged in a recess (10) of the foldable side wall (4), wherein the recess is configured so that the locking device is actuatable from inside and outside the large container (2).
US08511493B2
A liquid container can be present and used in at least two different positions. The liquid container may be a wine container, which can be a wine bottle in its first position and also be a wine glass in its second position. A method of serving a liquid includes placing a container in a first position in which the container serves as a bottle and converting the bottle into a glass or goblet without reassembling any part of the container by placing the container in a second position.
US08511489B2
A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed.
US08511486B2
An overhead rack system is provided that may be mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. Overhead rack system is designed to make use of a garage's previously unused ceiling space, allowing home owners to store their items overhead and out of the way. The system is ideally configured for storing large or heavy items that otherwise can quickly fill a garage's available floor space.
US08511473B1
In specific embodiments, an energy dissipation structure for supporting an article comprises a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of the article. The cavity is bounded by a plurality of sidewall structures, each of the sidewall structures having a length and including an inner wall, an outer wall, and an arcuate structure connecting the inner wall with the outer wall. Each of the sidewall structures is connected with another of the sidewall structures by a groove extending along at least a portion of the inner walls, the outer walls, and the arcuate structures of the connected sidewall structures.
US08511471B1
A crate made from cardboard configured to have increased compression strength is disclosed herein. The crate can include four sides with a space formed between the four sides. The space can be configured to be selectively closed. The crate can have a bottom secured to the four sides. One or more corrugated panels can be located within the space adjacent the four sides. The corrugated panels can be configured to support the four sides. The corrugated panels can include a corrugated material disposed between two sheets of material. One or more cuts can be located within the space.
US08511468B2
Disclosed are various embodiments for holding and organizing surgical instruments in a surgical environment. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument holder comprises an elongated body portion including a plurality of slots. Each of the slots may be configured so as to retain a surgical instrument in a fixed position. The elongated body portion may have a base surface configured to contact a table surface.
US08511467B2
The present invention is directed to a display package that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of packs containing one or more products and a sleeve. The primary packs are arranged in a bundle and disposed within the sleeve. A separator panel can be included in certain embodiments of the bundle between the packs. Portions of the packs may protrude through apertures in the front and rear panels of the sleeve and apertures within the separator panel to assist with maintaining the bundle within the sleeve.
US08511463B2
A carrier for holding a plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carrier. The panels comprise at least one bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and at least two end panels. The carrier comprises at least one divider flap comprising a longitudinal segment foldably connected to at least the first side wall or the second side wall, at least one transverse segment foldably connected to the first longitudinal segment, and at least one end segment foldably connected to the at least one transverse segment. A central divider wall divides the interior of the carrier into a front portion and a rear portion. The central divider wall comprises at least the at least one end segment of the at least one divider flap. A handle is attached to the central divider wall.
US08511461B2
Non-contact, gas-ejecting bearings (3) are provided for conveying flexible glass sheets (13), such as LCD substrates, at high conveyance speeds, e.g., speeds of 40 meters/minute and above, e.g., 60 meters/minute. Gas is provided to the bearing's orifices (22) from a plenum which operates at a pressure Pplenum and the bearings have a calculated static pressure Pmidpoint at the midpoints (27) between the bearing's centermost orifice (26) and each of its nearest neighbors (28) in a horizontal direction which satisfies the relationship Pmidpoint/Pplenum≧0.05. The bearings (3) can reduce the time-averaged, peak-to-peak variation in the spacing between a LCD substrate (13) traveling at, for example, 60 meters/minute and the face (20) of the bearing (3) to less than 500 microns, thus reducing the chances that the substrate (13) will hit and be damaged by the bearing (3).
US08511450B2
The present invention relates to a multiple clutch device having a first clutch which is assigned a first actuating piston with a first pressure chamber and a first pressure equalization chamber, and having a second clutch which is assigned a second actuating piston with a second pressure chamber and a second pressure equalization chamber, a first crossflow channel being provided for setting the hydraulic fluid column in the first pressure equalization chamber and a second crossflow channel being provided for setting the hydraulic fluid column in the second pressure equalization chamber. According to the invention, the first and second crossflow channels are arranged in such a way that both the oil which is discharged via the first crossflow channel and the oil which is discharged via the second crossflow channel can be fed to the first and second clutches.
US08511449B2
A propulsion system for a powered rail vehicle includes a fuel engine, an alternator, and a tractive circuit. The alternator is coupled with and driven by the engine to produce a fuel-based electric current. The tractive circuit includes a conductive bus coupled with the alternator and a traction motor. The conductive bus is configured to couple with a power conditioning circuit to receive an external electric current from an external electric power source via the power conditioning circuit. The tractive circuit has a fuel-powered only configuration, a fuel- and electric-powered configuration, and an electric-powered only configuration. The tractive circuit supplies the traction motor with the fuel-based electric current in the fuel-powered only configuration, with the fuel-based electric current or the external electric current in the fuel- or electric-powered configuration, and with the external electric current in the electric-powered only configuration.
US08511446B2
A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.
US08511438B1
An apparatus for the controlled descent or lifting of objects includes a main longitudinal member that is attached at one end thereof to a receiver hitch. A plurality of spaced-apart side extensions of round material stock extend from opposite sides of the main longitudinal member and, together with a nose portion, provide locations that an operator can accomplish multiple wraps with a rope of a block and tackle to vary the friction between the rope and the apparatus sufficient to minimize a magnitude of resistance that is exerted by an operator to the rope to control the rate of descent of the object. The descent rate of heavy objects, such as severed tree limbs, can be easily and safely controlled. By securing the rope to the apparatus and driving a vehicle that the receiver hitch is attached to forward, the apparatus can be used to lift heavy objects.
US08511436B2
A bicycle sprocket chain cleaning and lubrication apparatus allows a sprocket chain (3) to be cleaned while still mounted on the bicycle. The apparatus includes a includes a housing (10) for enclosing the sprocket chain on all sides consisting of mutually connectable upper half-shell (11) and lower half-shell (12) portions and a securement assembly which includes a mounting plate adapted to attach to a rear wheel quick disconnect of the bicycle. The housing is suspended from the sprocket chain and provides a funnel shaped solvent hopper (17), a hose connection (21) to a compressed air supply, and an air knife (23) adapted to direct high velocity air to impinge upon and thereby dry the sprocket chain.
US08511433B2
A hoist for elevating a hunter's tree stand from the ground to a vertical position alongside of the trunk of a tree comprises a segmented, extendable and contractible pole having a tree clamping ring assembly pivotally mounted to the top section of the pole and a V-shaped jaw for engaging the tree trunk near the bottom of the pole. A first rope is tied at one end to the clamping ring assembly and extends down to a retractable reel located near the bottom of the pole. By pulling on this rope, the clamping ring assembly can be pivoted to an angle allowing the ring to pass about the tree trunk and when released, the clamping ring assembly pivots downward under the force of gravity which secures the pole to the tree at its upper end. The clamping ring assembly further includes a pulley, about which a second rope is deployed. One end of the second rope is adapted to be connected to the hunter's tree stand at its upper end and the other end can be pulled on to elevate the tree stand.
US08511428B2
A noise attenuator which can reduce time and cost for installation thereof as compared with the conventional configuration and a vehicle air intake duct provided with the noise attenuator are provided. The noise attenuator includes a pair of circular through holes formed through a duct wall, a pair of wave transmitting/receiving membrane which are stretched so as to close the circular through holes, and a seesaw member which connects between central portions of the paired transmitting/receiving membranes. Accordingly, when one of the membranes receives a sound wave of noise thereby to be vibrated at a predetermined frequency, the other membrane follows it and is also vibrated while shifted by a half cycle. As a result, a cancellation wave with a phase opposite to the sound wave received by the one membrane is transmitted from the other membrane, whereupon the noise can be attenuated.
US08511424B2
Acoustic waveguides are disclosed for mounting to a conduit. The acoustic waveguides provide a mounting area that minimizes the effect of the mount on the acoustic wave traveling through the waveguide while providing an effective seal, even under high pressure conditions.
US08511422B2
A flexible multiple speaker support apparatus is provided for supporting a plurality of speakers therein and includes a flexible, hollow speaker support unit which includes a plurality of open, sound emission channels. The speakers are housed within the flexible, hollow speaker support unit, and the speakers are placed in registration with the open, sound emission channels. With one embodiment of the invention, the flexible, hollow speaker support unit includes a flexible, tubular speaker support member, and the flexible, tubular speaker support member includes a plurality of the open, sound emission channels. The speakers are placed in registration with the open, sound emission channels. With another embodiment of the invention, a suspension bracket assembly is connected to the flexible, hollow speaker support unit for supporting the flexible, hollow speaker support unit in a desired orientation from a ceiling, wall or other surface.
US08511420B2
A vehicle steering control device includes an electric power steering unit, a steering ratio varying unit which drives an output member relative to an input member driven by steering operation of a driver to vary a steering ratio, and a control unit which controls the steering ratio varying unit. The control unit decreases in magnitude the relative drive velocity of the output member driven by the steering ratio varying unit relative to the input member when the magnitude of a difference between the maximum value of the steering drive velocity range of said steerable wheels which allows said power steering unit to generate a required steering assisting power and an actual steering drive velocity of said steerable wheels is small in contrast to the large difference.
US08511419B2
A steering system includes a motor that rotates a power transmitting member, a rotating body to which rotative power of the motor is transmitted via the power transmitting member, a rack shaft that is driven in its axial direction according to rotation of the rotating body, a rack housing that houses the rack shaft and the rotating body, and a bearing interposed between the rack housing and the rotating body. A receiving portion of the rotating body which engages with the power transmitting member is provided at an opposed surface as a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the rotating body which is opposed to an output shaft of the motor, and the bearing is provided on a non-opposed surface other than the opposed surface.
US08511417B2
A ride-on, self-propelled vehicle having front caster wheels, such as a zero-turn mower, includes a front brake system. The actuating power for the front brake pass through a spindle supporting the front caster wheel. In a preferred embodiment, a center shaft of each spindle or a concentric outer ring of a sleeve of each spindle passes a force from a brake actuator to a brake for the respective caster wheel. Actuation of the brake actuator moves a member into frictional contact with a portion of the front wheel or an object attached to the front wheel to applying a braking force.
US08511406B2
A motorized cart, including: a collapsible frame; a handle and a collapsible storage compartment connected to the frame; and at least three wheels, including a front wheel and two rear wheels disposed at a rear of the frame for rotating about a single axis. The cart also includes a drive compartment housing a battery, a drive controller, and at least one motor electrically connected to the battery and the drive controller for driving at least one of the rear wheels. The drive compartment is positioned on the frame to position the battery, the drive controller, and the motor below and forward of the rear wheel rotation axis when the cart is in an expanded, upright mode, thereby positioning a center of gravity of the cart forward of the rear wheel rotation axis to enhance stability. The drive compartment is shaped and positioned on the frame to not impede the collapsing of the storage compartment and the frame to a collapsed mode for compact storage of the cart, and to provide clearance for the at least one front wheel during transition between the collapsed mode and the expanded, upright mode. The drive compartment is positioned on the frame to substantially vertically align the center of gravity of the cart with the rear wheel rotation axis in a tilted mode, in which the cart operates only on the two rear wheels.
US08511405B2
The present invention relates to a drill bit having a bit body and a plurality of cutters, which are configured to disintegrate earthen formation as the bit body is rotated by a connected drill string. At least some of the cutters have a first and second body, first and second cutting faces and first and second cutting edges. The body is comprised of hard metal. The cutting elements are comprised of superhard material. The orientation of the first cutter body is reversible as to the other components to permit variation in the proximity of the first and second cutting elements.
US08511396B2
Aqueous droplets encapsulated in a flame retardant polymer are useful in suppressing combustion. Upon exposure to a flame, the encapsulated aqueous droplets rupture and vaporize, removing heat and displacing oxygen to retard the combustion process. The polymer encapsulant, through decomposition, may further add free radicals to the combustion atmosphere, thereby further retarding the combustion process. The encapsulated aqueous droplets may be used as a replacement to halon, water mist and dry powder flame suppression systems.
US08511390B2
A deliquification pump for deliquifying a well comprises a fluid end pump adapted to pump a fluid from a wellbore. In addition, the deliquification pump comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to drive the fluid end pump. The hydraulic pump includes a first internal pump chamber and a first pump assembly disposed in the first chamber. The first pump assembly includes a piston having a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first pump assembly includes a first wobble plate including a planar end face axially adjacent the second end of the piston and a slot extending axially through the first wobble plate. The first wobble plate is adapted to rotate about the central axis relative to the housing to axially reciprocate the piston and cyclically place the throughbore of the piston in fluid communication with the slot.
US08511389B2
A subsea wellhead assembly having a completion landing string inside a drilling riser is described herein and comprises a power source for generating an alternating electrical current; a connector for connecting the power source to a receptacle in the subsea well assembly; a first inductor electrically connected to the power source through the connector; a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly; and a second inductor spaced from the first inductor, and located in the subsea control module, the second inductor positioned so that an EMF is produced on the second inductor when the alternating electrical current is passed through the first inductor to thereby generate an alternating current signal on the second inductor.
US08511387B2
A cap is lowered onto and secured to a subsea member with an external flange, effecting a seal between the external flange and cap. The cap includes a tubular outer body defining a cavity, and a tubular inner body defining a bore, wherein the lower end of the inner body resides within the cavity. The cap also includes a lower engaging member coupled to the outer body that is radially movable between an inward state and an outward state and configured to alternately engage and disengage at least one of a backside of the external flange. Finally, the cap includes an upper engaging member coupled to the outer body and being radially movable independently of the lower engaging member between an inward state and an outward state and configured to engage and disengage the inner body.
US08511382B2
A method of determining a permeability profile of a heavy-oil bearing formation includes pre-heating of the formation by circulation of steam in a well, creating an excessive pressure inside the well during the pre-heating stage, stopping circulation of steam in the well, measuring temperature along a well bore of the well using distributed temperature sensors, wherein the measuring is performed from a moment at which steam circulation stops until a thermally stable condition is achieved, creating a conductive heat exchange model relating a quantity of steam penetrated into the formation to a local permeability of the formation, the model being created using the temperature measurement results of the pre-heating stage for solving an inverse problem, and determining the formation permeability profile from the created model.
US08511381B2
A system and method are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The system comprises a well bore; a gravel packing slurry comprising a carrier fluid and a solids mixture, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75, wherein the solids mixture comprises at least a proppant PSD mode and a fines PSD mode; a pump to circulate the slurry in the wellbore and form a proppant pack; and a dispersant source effective to facilitate fines flowback from the pack. The method comprises circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a proppant pack; contacting fines in the pack with a dispersant; and passing fluid through the pack to remove fines from the pack. Dispersants disclosed as present in the slurry or in another treatment fluid include polyelectrolyte, polysulfonate, polycarboxylate, lignosulfonates, polymelamine sulfonates, polystyrene sulfonates, polynaphthalene sulfonates, polyacrylates having a weight average molecular weight less than 10,000 Daltons, anionic, cationic, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants.
US08511378B2
A control system for use in extracting hydrocarbons from an underground deposit is disclosed that comprises an electromagnetic heating system and a processor. The electromagnetic heating system is configured to heat the underground deposit to facilitate fluid flow of a resource for extraction from the underground deposit. The processor is configured to control the electromagnetic heating system in response to temperature data and pressure data for the underground deposit. The processor correlates the temperature data and pressure data with predetermined water phase characteristics to control the electromagnetic heating system so that substantially all water in the underground deposit is maintained in a liquid state. The control system may also generate voxel data corresponding to spatial characteristics of the underground deposit. The spatial characteristics may be presented as a map on a display.
US08511375B2
A wellbore cleaning device having a unitary tool mandrel surrounded by a retaining sleeve that is rotatable with respect to the mandrel. A locking ring is used to secure the retaining sleeve to the mandrel. Cleaning blades are retained within recesses in the retaining sleeve and are biased radially outwardly from the recesses by springs.
US08511374B2
A method of operating an insert safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing the insert safety valve in a flow passage which extends longitudinally through an outer safety valve, making electrical contact between the insert safety valve and an electrical connector, and operating the insert safety valve, thereby selectively permitting and preventing flow through the flow passage. An insert safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to another electrical connector external to the insert safety valve.
US08511373B2
The present invention is directed to processes (methods) for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in an oil and/or gas well and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.) downhole. The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented.
US08511372B2
Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.
US08511369B2
Thermal insulating materials and methods of making the thermal insulating material generally include a plurality of thermally reversible crosslinked polymer modified particles. The thermally reversible crosslinked polymer modified particles include a polymer containing a plurality of a first functional group; and a modified particle having a plurality of pendent cross-linking agents containing a second functional group, wherein the first functional group and the second functional group are complementary reactants to a reversible cross-linking reaction.
US08511366B2
A method for spray forming a metal component (11, 17, 21, 27) having an elongated open channel (10, 20, 22, 28) therein comprises firstly spray forming a layer (8, 19, 24) of the desired metal onto a deposition substrate (2), placing then an elongated spray blocking object (9, 18, 26, 29) on the already sprayed layer for forming the channel, and continuing then the spray forming process until the desired total thickness of the component is achieved. According to the present invention, the spray blocking object is a strip (18, 26, 29), the cross-sectional profile of the strip being fully open in the direction of an axis (a) in a cross-sectional plane of the strip, and the strip is placed on the already deposited layer (8, 19, 24) with said axis directed substantially parallel to the direction of the incident metal spray (6).
US08511359B2
A layup mandrel includes a shell having a tool surface on which plies may be laid up. The shape of the shell is changed by an actuator.
US08511356B2
A pneumatic tire with improved steering stability without raising air columnar resonance noise is provided. The pneumatic tire comprises first oblong holes 11 having an opening portion of a trapezoidal shape that is elongated in the depth direction of a main groove 1 and whose depth D1 on the tread surface side is shallower than a depth D2 on the groove bottom side and second oblong holes 12 having an opening portion of a trapezoidal shape that is elongated in the depth direction of the main groove and whose depth D4 on the groove bottom side is shallower than a depth D3 on the tread surface side, wherein number of the first oblong holes 11 is 50 to 100% of the sum of oblong holes 11 and 12, the depths D2 and D3 are at least not less than 0.5 mm and 0.05 to 0.3 times a width W of the main groove 1, the depths D1, D4 are not greater than 0.1 times a depth D of the main groove 1, widths w of the oblong holes 11, 12 are at least not less than 0.5 mm and 0.05 to 0.2 times the width W of the main groove 1, and heights H of the oblong holes 11, 12 in the depth direction of the main groove are 50 to 80% of the depth D of the main groove 1.
US08511352B2
A drug mixing system including at least one receptacle port adaptor adapted to be inserted into a port of a fluid receptacle, at least one syringe adaptor adapted to be attached to a syringe and to the at least one receptacle port adaptor and at least one vial adaptor adapted for connection to a vial containing a drug and adapted for connection to the at least one syringe adaptor, the system being characterized in that at least one of the receptacle port adaptor, the at least one syringe adaptor and the at least one vial adaptor being vented to the atmosphere in a manner which prevents release to the atmosphere of possibly harmful contents of the vial in a liquid, solid or gaseous form.
US08511345B2
A method for controllably delivering hydrocarbon gas, comprises selectively opening and closing a valve to control the flow of hydrocarbon gas from a pressure vessel to a supply line for a hydrocarbon gas-fueled device, detecting any airborne hydrocarbon gas, attempting to move the valve from an open state to a closed state in response to detecting airborne hydrocarbon gas while the valve is in the open state, and releasing a liquid sealant to the supply line in response to detecting escaped gas after at least attempting to move the valve to the closed state.
US08511326B1
A tank system is described for dropping fluid onto a passing vehicle. The tank system includes a tank with a fluid supply inlet. Optionally, a soap injector is included for injecting soap into the water flow to create a fluid mix that is supplied to the tank. A lighting system is attached to the tank. The fluid mix, or any other chemical in the tank, may be heated with the heating unit. An air motor is included for providing air to an air manifold that is disposed within the tank. When air is introduced into the fluid mix, bubbles are created. As the fluid mix and bubbles fill the tank, they fall from the tank via an overflow lip, with the fluid mix and/or bubbles being illuminated by the lighting system as they fall onto a vehicle passing below.
US08511320B2
An object of the invention is to provide an artificial hair fiber bundle having a color tone with a gradation appearance at a tip portion thereof. An aspect of the invention is a fiber bundle (10) for artificial hair, with one end (1) thereof being bundled and fixed. The fiber bundle includes fibers (A1, B1) of two or more kinds having color tones different from each other, the fiber bundle being obtained by a heat treatment at a predetermined temperature. The fibers of two or more kinds have heat shrinkage rates different from each other, and a tip portion of the fiber (A1) out of the fibers of two or more kinds emerges in a portion (2) corresponding to the other end of the fiber bundle (10) which is not bundled and fixed.
US08511319B2
The invention provides a modified adsorbent material impregnated with a metal oxide, which can be used in a filter element adapted for use in a smoking article. The modified adsorbent material exhibits increased filtration efficiency with respect to certain gas phase species of mainstream cigarette smoke. Exemplary adsorbent materials that can be modified according to the invention include activated carbon, molecular sieves, clays, ion exchange resins, activated aluminas, silica gels, meerschaum, and mixtures thereof. One example of a metal oxide is cerium oxide. Impregnation with a metal oxide can be accomplished by directly treating the adsorbent with a metal oxide or impregnating the adsorbent with a metal oxide precursor, such as cerium nitrate, followed by calcining the impregnated material to convert the precursor to the desired metal oxide. Methods of forming the modified adsorbent material and smoking article filters incorporating the modified adsorbent material are also provided.
US08511318B2
An electronic cigarette comprises nicotine without harmful tar. The cigarette includes a shell, a cell, nicotine solution, control circuit, and an electro-thermal vaporization nozzle installed in the air suction end of the shell. The advantages of the present invention are smoking without tar, reducing the risk of cancer, the user still gets a smoking experience, the cigarette is not lit, and there is no fire danger.
US08511317B2
A tissue ablation system for treating fibrillation in a patient comprises a steerable interventional catheter having an energy source that emits a beam of energy to ablate tissue thereby creating a conduction block for aberrant electrical pathways. The system also includes a handle disposed near a proximal end of the interventional catheter and has an actuation mechanism for steering the interventional catheter. A console allows the system to be controlled and provides power to the system, and a display pod is electrically coupled with the console. The display pod has a display panel to display system information to a user and allows the user to control the system. A catheter pod is releasably coupled with the handle electrically and mechanically, and also electrically coupled with the display pod.
US08511305B2
A humidification system is provided for a respiratory system is provided with a controller having two processors that monitor the operation of each other and of heating elements in the respiratory system to provide CPU redundancy and heating element control. Each heating element is provided with two control paths, for example a relay and a triac connected in series with the heating element and a power supply. Each heater element has one control path connected to a first one of the processors and at least one heating element has at least one control path connected to a second one of the controllers. A hardware watchdog monitors the operation of the first processor, and can be triggered by a signal from the second processor, in response to which it can disable all heating elements.
US08511299B2
An apparatus for metering the delivery of an aerosol. The apparatus has a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus may also include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.
US08511292B2
The present invention addresses problems not resolved by conventional hand-held clay target throwers by providing a clay target throwing device comprising two unique main components that, both separately and upon combination, provide for a significantly improved hand-held clay target thrower device. The first main component is a unitary rear-loading flexible wire headend. The second main component is a specially formed handle including a self-cocking block component and an impact backstop structure. Together the combined flexible wire headend and handle provide an easy-to-use, efficient, effective, comfortable, and weather-resistant hand-held self-cocking and controlled release clay target throwing unit.
US08511288B2
The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (1) with two-stage turbocharging by a low-pressure exhaust gas turbine (6) and a high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7), the low-pressure exhaust gas turbine (6) being positioned downstream of the high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7) in the exhaust system (3) of the internal combustion engine (1), and the high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7) being provided with a bypass line (11) with a control valve (12). In order to achieve quick response of the internal combustion engine (1) in transient operation, it is provided that continuously or periodically at certain intervals preferably an electronic control unit will check whether a steady-state or a transient operating state of the internal combustion engine (1) is prevailing, and that the control valve (12) is controlled in accordance with at least one steady-state characteristic map (32, 33) in the steady-state case and in accordance with at least one transient characteristic map (31) or a transient function in the transient case.
US08511281B2
A variety of methods and arrangements for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine in a skip fire variable displacement mode are described. Generally, an engine is controlled to operate in a skip fire variable displacement mode. In the variable displacement mode, selected combustion events are skipped so that other working cycles can operate at better thermodynamic efficiency. More specifically, selected “skipped” working cycles are not fired while other “active” working cycles are fired. Typically, fuel is not delivered to the working chambers during skipped working cycles. In one aspect of the invention, a firing pattern is determined that is not fixed but the active working cycles are selected to favor the firing of working chambers that have recently been fired at least in part to reduce wall wetting losses. In another aspect of the invention, when an active working cycle follows a skipped working cycle in the same working chamber, the quanta of fuel injected for delivery to the working chamber is increased relative to the quanta of fuel that would be delivered to the working chamber when the active working cycle follows another active working cycle in the same working chamber in order to compensate for wall wetting losses that occur during skipped working cycles.
US08511277B2
A “TurboMotor” positive displacement rotary-piston machine comprises a casing having an annular working chamber and intake and exhaust ports, two drive shafts coaxial with the annular surface defining the working chamber and provided with rotary pistons on one end thereof and with arms on the other end thereof, a stationary central gear coaxial with the surface defining the working chamber and with the drive shafts, an output shaft concentric with the drive shafts and having an offset portion carrying a carrier and a planetary gear, the planetary gear being in mesh with the stationary central gear the carrier being pivotally connected to the arms of both drive shafts through the connecting rods. The annular working chamber of the casing communicates with the intake ports and exhaust ports and/or exit channels and entrance channels arranged sequentially and contiguously.
US08511268B2
An engine is equipped with a variable valve timing mechanism, which is operated by a working oil to change rotating phase of a camshaft to thereby change the valve timing, and includes an oil passage formed in a chain case and an oil passage formed in the cylinder head so as to be communicated with the hydraulic actuator, in which the oil passages communicate with each other at a contact surface between the chain case and the cylinder head, and the working oil is supplied from the hydraulic control valve to the hydraulic actuator. The variable valve timing mechanism further includes a block disposed independent of the chain case between an inner wall of the chain case and an end wall of the cylinder head, and an intermediate oil passage formed in the block and including communication openings in which one of the communication openings is offset in position from another one thereof.
US08511261B2
Disclosed is a piston cooling device wherein the cooling efficiency of a piston is improved by oil injected from an oil jet and supplied to a cooling passage provided in the piston, and the amount of cooling oil is reduced when an internal combustion engine is operated at maximum output. The piston cooling device is provided with a piston for an internal combustion engine, in which a circumferential passage and a cooling passage having an inlet passage and an outlet passage are provided, and an oil jet for injecting oil from an injection port to the inlet passage. The oil jet injects oil at every stroke of the piston so that a two-phase plug flow composed of gas and oil is formed in the cooling passage at least when an internal combustion engine is operated at maximum output.
US08511258B2
Disclosed is a coal boiler that makes it possible to reduce the height of the boiler and shorten the period of construction. The coal boiler includes a first furnace in which a combustion gas generated by burning coal and air ascends; a second furnace in which the combustion gas supplied from the first furnace flows downward; and a heat recovery area in which the combustion gas supplied from the second furnace flows upward.
US08511242B2
A seed metering apparatus having a selectably actuated panel positioned between the metering apparatus and discharge chute, the panel moving between an open position and a closed position such that seeds may be more accurately spaced and metered without disrupting the drive mechanism of the seed metering apparatus. A seed metering apparatus where metered but non-discharged seeds are returned to a seed reservoir for subsequent metering and planting.
US08511239B2
A reinforced plastic pallet includes a modular platform having top and bottom major walls which respectively have left and right stacked and held segments confronting each other. The stacked and held segments respectively have depression and supported regions. A spacer extends downwardly from each of the supported regions to have a base region confronting the corresponding depression region. A hollow strut extends upwardly from the base region through the corresponding depression region, and has an open end joining with the corresponding depression region. With the hollow struts, the structural strength of the spacers can be increased so as to prevent deformation thereof when the plastic pallet is subjected to a heavy load.
US08511233B2
A projectile for fire arms formed in such a way that it includes a front portion of essentially convex axial cross-section that via a transition transforms into a rear portion of essentially cylindrical radial cross-section, which rear portion acts as a power belt for the projectile.
US08511230B2
A safety and arming device for a spin-stabilized explosive projectile, said device incorporating a screen obstructing a transmission channel linking a detonator and a pyrotechnic relay, said screen comprising two half-screens able to move with respect to one another and transversally with respect to said channel, said two half-screens obstructing said channel when contacting one another, wherein said two half-screens are able to slide in a bore hole carried by a rotor coaxial to said projectile, said rotor is able to pivot on the axis of said projectile and carries said channel, said two half-screens locked into the position obstructing said channel by at least two locks, a first lock or inertial lock which retracts when said projectile is fired and a second lock or centrifugal lock formed by a spiral spring surrounding an external cylindrical surface of said rotor and applied against the ends of said half-screens.
US08511214B2
A tubular structure and method for making a tubular structure are provided, where the tubular structure includes at least one layer of braided strands. In general, at least one portion of the braided strands exhibits a braid pattern of crests and troughs (e.g., a wave pattern, which may include sinusoidal, square, and/or sawtooth waves) along a length of the tubular structure. The wave pattern can be created by rotating the mandrel onto which the tubular structure is braided during the braiding process, such as by angularly oscillating the mandrel about its longitudinal axis or about its transverse axis. As a result, the tubular structures may have increased radial strength, collapse resistance, torque transmission, column strength, and kink resistance. The tubular structures may be used in medical devices, such as stent-grafts, as well as in other medical and non-medical devices, such as in hoses, tubing, filters, and other devices.
US08511208B1
An assisted opening multitool handle comprising a handle housing having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the handle housing having first and second longitudinal regions, the handle housing having an interior surface defining a channel region. The assisted opening multitool handle further comprises a tool member pivotally attached to the handle housing and operatively configured to be positioned in a closed orientation within the channel region and configured to rotate in an opening direction to an open orientation.
US08511207B2
A rotation control device for a tool is disposed between a handle and a tool head and includes two ratchet wheels, a spring and two C-shaped snap rings. The two ratchet wheels are symmetrically arranged. When pressed, the respective ratchet wheels will be subjected to the same force and move the same distance, thus making the engagement between the ratchet wheels and the tool head more assured, while avoiding the stuck fault and improving the convenience in use.
US08511206B2
A ratchet wrench includes a body, a driving head, a control member and a resilient member. The body includes a handle and a Y-shaped extension. The driving head is pivotably connected to the Y-shaped extension by two pivots and an inner groove and a recess are respectively defined in the inside of the Y-shaped extension. The inner groove accommodates the C-shaped plate of the control member and the resilient member is received in the recess. The C-shaped plate has engaging teeth defined in distal ends thereof and the pivots each have ratchet teeth which are engaged with the engaging teeth by moving the control member so as to control the rotation of the driving head relative to the body.
US08511204B2
A transmission arrangement includes a first prime motor arrangement having a first gear shaft and a first gear wheel; and a second prime motor arrangement having a second gear shaft, and a second gear wheel. Where a first gear wheel arrangement includes the first gear wheel and is integrally formed with a first bevel gear wheel; the second gear wheel is integrally formed with a second bevel gear wheel; and a third bevel gear wheel is adapted to mesh with the first and second bevel gear wheels. The first bevel gear wheel, and second bevel gear wheel are fixed to the first and second gear shafts via their respective freewheel bearings; and both first and second gear shafts are sections of a single gear shaft. The gear shaft is supported in a first pivotal direction and fixedly supported in a second pivotal direction.
US08511203B2
A compliant cam system includes a cam having a cam body rotatable with respect to a cam rotational axis. The cam body has a cam body center spaced from the cam rotational axis. At least a portion of the cam is an elastically compressible material. A follower having at least one follower surface is in contact with the compressible material portion of the cam. A cam non-deflected condition is defined when an elastically compressible material portion outer surface is in contact with the cam follower surface prior to deflection of the elastically compressible material portion. The cam when thereafter rotated with respect to the cam rotational axis moves the cam body center toward the follower. The elastically compressible material portion deflects, defining a deflected condition, creating a biasing force acting toward the follower, and releasably frictionally engaging the elastically compressible material portion with the follower.
US08511199B2
A robot arm assembly includes a support arm, a connecting arm, and an end arm. The support arm is rotatably assembled with the connecting arm along a first axis, and is located at one end of the connecting arm. The end arm is rotatably assembled to the other end of the connecting arm along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, such that the connecting arm is rotatably assembled between the support arm and the end arm.
US08511192B2
A device for preventing backlash in a gear train, comprising a first and second drive gear, driven by a first and second motor, with a driven gear, a system controller defining a nominal trajectory of said driven gear, a position feedback controller for calculating a speed set point, a phase controller for calculating a difference between said first and second motor torque, providing torque upper and lower levels, comparing said difference to said upper and lower levels and adjusting the phase set point for said first and second motors based at least upon the comparing, where the phase is reduced if said difference is greater than or equal to said upper level, said phase is increased if said difference is less than or equal to said lower level, and said phase is kept constant if said difference is greater than said lower level and less than said upper level.
US08511179B2
An aircraft conduit monitoring system includes conduit that conducts gas from a source to a point of application. A flow sensing device and a pressure sensing device are provided within the conduit. At least one set value of a gas mass flow rate and at least one set value of a pressure are sensed in a learning mode of operation. The set values are compared with sensed actual values in the normal mode of operation. A gas volume flow rate can also be sensed and processed instead of a gas mass flow rate.
US08511178B2
A method of testing metal samples is provided to simulate stretch flanging of trimmed surfaces. A sample having planar sides and a sidewall extending between the planar sides is placed in a fixture so that the planar sides are confined. The sidewall of the sample is bent about a curved surface while restricting buckling out of a planar area. One testing machine is disclosed in which a test specimen is clamped in a die with a nesting slot while a punch bends a sample against a forming surface that has a radius. In another testing machine, a mandrel and clamping element engage the planar sides of the sample while first and second bending members engage first and second end portions to bend one of the sidewalls of the sample about the mandrel.
US08511175B2
A connection component is provided that includes an integrated ultrasound sensor, wherein the ultrasound sensor has a layer structure comprising at least two layers, with an electrode layer and at least one layer of a material having piezoelectric properties. The at least one electrode layer and the at least one layer of a material having piezoelectric properties are arranged on a freely accessible end of the connection component. Structures are formed in the electrode layer in order to produce electrodes by laser-ablated regions.
US08511162B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an angular velocity sensor capable of measuring an exact angular velocity, an ink jet head capable of producing an exact amount of ink, and a piezoelectric generating element capable of generating electric power due to positive piezoelectric effect.In the present invention, a piezoelectric film comprising a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode is used. The first electrode comprises an electrode layer having a (001) orientation. The piezoelectric layer comprises a (NaxBiy)TiO0.5x+1.5y+2—BaTiO3 layer (0.30≦x≦0.46 and 0.51≦y≦0.62) having a (001) orientation.
US08511158B2
Provided is a flow rate measuring apparatus which prevents a reduction in flow-rate detection accuracy through reducing stress applied to a flow rate detection element. The flow rate measuring apparatus includes a support member (8) provided with a stepped portion (9) formed between a region facing a circuit board (5) and a region facing a detection portion of a flow rate detection element (3), in which the support member (8) includes a groove portion (11a) provided on a side opposite to an insertion hole (2) with respect to the region facing the detection portion, for reducing stress applied to the flow rate detection element (3).
US08511157B2
A pneumatic circuit whereby small amounts of variations in pneumatic pressure in a tire occurring during tire testing can be adjusted in a short time. The pneumatic circuit includes an air supply source which generates compressed air to be supplied to a tire retained in a tire testing device; a pressure regulating valve which regulates the pressure of the compressed air generated; a discharge/supply valve provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve and by which compressed air is supplied to, or discharged from, the tire; a pressure detection unit provided downstream of the discharge/supply valve and which detects the tire pressure inside the tire; and a volume adjustment mechanism provided between the pressure regulating valve and the tire and which increases or decreases the volume of compressed air in an airflow path between the tire and the pressure regulating valve, as well as in the tire.
US08511156B2
A tire pressure sensing system includes a tire patch having first and second faces. A plate fixed to the second face is oriented perpendicular to a tire patch longitudinal axis. A sensor mount is positioned on the first face and oppositely facing with respect to the plate. The sensor mount includes opposed first and second bias clips and is oriented perpendicular to the tire patch longitudinal axis. At least one plate fastener extends through the tire patch fixes the plate to the second face and the sensor mount to the first face. A tire pressure sensor is releasably retained by first and second sensor fasteners and the first and second bias clips to the sensor mount. The tire pressure sensor is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The tire patch is permanently connected to a tire inner tread wall having the longitudinal axis coaxially aligned with a tire radial centerline.
US08511151B2
A pressure sensor, comprising: a semiconductor pressure measuring transducer having a measuring membrane and a circuit for transducing a deformation of the measuring membrane into a signal; a pressure transfer structure having a hydraulic path, which extends through a solid body between a first a second opening. The first opening is sealed by an isolating diaphragm, which is contactable with a pressure, in order to introduce the pressure to be measured into the hydraulic path. The hydraulic path opens, at the second opening, into a transducer chamber, in which the pressure measuring transducer is arranged and which is sealed by the measuring membrane of the pressure measuring transducer. The hydraulic path contains a transfer liquid; a filling element, which is arranged in the transducer chamber, in order to fill hollow spaces between metal walls of the transducer chamber and the semiconductor pressure measuring transducer. An insulator plate, which is arranged in the transducer chamber between the measuring membrane and a wall of the transducer chamber lying opposite the measuring membrane; wherein the insulator plate is affixed to the filling element or is embodied as one piece with the filling element.
US08511135B2
A bending apparatus for manufacturing a bent member from a steel pipe with high dimensional accuracy and high productivity can be installed in a small space with good maintainability. The apparatus has a feed mechanism for feeding a steel pipe in its lengthwise direction, a first support mechanism for supporting the steel pipe while feeding it, a heating mechanism for heating a part or all of the steel pipe being fed, a cooling mechanism for cooling the portion of the heated steel pipe being fed, a second support mechanism for imparting a bending moment to the heated portion of the steel pipe to bend the steel pipe into a desired shape by moving two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally while supporting the fed steel pipe in at least one location, and a deformation preventing mechanism for preventing deformation of the steel pipe. The feed mechanism is a vertically articulated robot having seven axes.
US08511131B2
A cable bending tool comprises a drive housing including a powered drive element. A jaw assembly comprises first and second jaws hingedly connected to one another. The drive element is selectively operated to cause the first and second jaws to move between a neutral and an actuated position. A bending shoe is secured to a distal end of the first jaw. An arm with opposite rollers is secured to a distal end of the second jaw and extends transversely to a path of movement of the jaws. The rollers support a cable with the bending shoe on an opposite side of the cable.
US08511128B2
A plate-type workpiece part ejector tool includes an upper tool portion and a lower tool portion. The upper tool portion includes a tool body, and a plurality of cutting tools that carried by the tool body. Each of the cutting tools includes a guide body having a punch. The lower tool portion has a single ejection opening. The ejection opening has at least one counter-cutting edge. The cutting tools are accommodated in the tool body so as to be movable relative to the lower tool portion, such that each of the cutting tools is optionally alignable with the counter cutting-edge.
US08511126B2
The invention relates to a cooling device (100) for cooling a metal strip (200) after a forming in a cold rolling stand (200) having at least one nozzle (112) for spraying a cooling medium (400) onto the surface of the metal strip (200). In order to make such known cooling device more effective and efficient, it is proposed according to the invention to provide a plate (500), which in an operating position is arranged parallel to the surface of the metal strip (200) in the run-out of the cold rolling stand (300,) and to arrange the nozzle in the operation position in such a manner that the cooling medium is sprayed at an acute spray angle α into a cavity between the surface of the metal strip and the opposing plate, with a spray direction (R) opposite to the running direction (L) of the metal strip.
US08511121B2
A key holding device includes a key cylinder capable of retaining an auxiliary key which is a vehicle key that is not a master key. A rotor is rotatably arranged in the key cylinder. The auxiliary key is insertable into the rotor. A tumbler is rotatable with the rotor in the key cylinder. The tumbler holds the auxiliary key in a manner irremovable from the key cylinder in accordance with the rotational position of the rotor. A key lock mechanism is capable of locking the rotor in a state in which the tumbler holds the auxiliary key in a manner irremovable from the key cylinder. A control unit selectively switches the rotor between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling the key lock mechanism so as to permit removal of the auxiliary key when the rotor is in the unlocked state.
US08511114B2
A jewelry item includes a chain, which has decorative items attached to it and which has a first fastening device to hang the item from an object such as a belt loop. A second fastening device is used to adjust the length of the object. Decorative items may be attached to the chain for providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance and for gathering together into a conglomeration to conceal the chain and providing a singular compact appearance for the jewelry item. A swivel coupled to the first fastening device permits the jewelry item to be rotated to an alternate viewing position.
US08511108B2
An air conditioning unit has improved visual appeal in a non-operational state, and can reduce smudging of a ceiling in an air conditioned space by discharged air. The air conditioning unit is configured to be disposed above a space to be air-conditioned. The air conditioning unit includes a case, a first moveable panel, and a moveable panel actuating mechanism. The case has at least one discharge duct on a bottom face. The first moveable panel is configured to open and close the discharge duct. The moveable panel actuating mechanism moves the first moveable panels between a first position at which at least the outside section of the discharge duct is closed off, and a second position at which the outside section of the discharge duct is opened.
US08511102B2
A method for defrost control of a refrigerator having a refrigeration and defrost system that includes a compressor, an evaporator, an evaporator fan and a heater. The refrigerator also has a control system to control the operation of the refrigerator. The method includes stopping the compressor operation; starting a defrost process; starting the heater; maintaining a start state over a preset period of time; closing off the heater; and starting the compressor. After starting the compressor and before the evaporator fan is started to perform the refrigeration operation, the evaporator fan is operated at least once briefly and intermittently.
US08511096B1
High bleed flow muffling systems are disclosed. Example muffling devices according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may include a first orifice plate and a second orifice plate at least partially defining a plenum arranged to receive the flow of a compressible fluid. The first orifice plate and the second orifice plate may be arranged to produce cross-impinging flow such that flow through the orifices of the first orifice plate into the plenum is directed at the wall of the second orifice plate and such that flow through the orifices of the second orifice plate is directed at the wall of the first orifice plate. Some example embodiments may include an inlet flow restrictor disposed upstream of the first and second orifice plates.
US08511095B2
A flow discharge device, such as a bleed assembly in a gas turbine engine, comprises a discharge outlet member having a skirt which is accommodated telescopically in a housing so as to be displaceable with respect to wall of a duct from a retracted position in which slots in the skirt lie outside the duct, and an extended position in which the slots open into the duct for the discharge of a secondary fluid into the flow in the duct. The discharge outlet member is moved to the extended position by the pressure of the secondary fluid acting on a silencer element. A spring returns the discharge outlet member to the retracted position when the flow of the secondary fluid is terminated.
US08511094B2
A combustion apparatus (10) incorporating a dry low NOx (DLN) combustor (20) that uses two different fuels (30, 40) simultaneously. One fuel (30) is premixed with air (22) for a primary combustion zone (25), and a second fuel (40) supplies a diffusion pilot flame (29). Each fuel may be selected for its specialized role, maximizing overall combustion efficiency while lowering emissions. A primary fuel (30) such as natural gas (NG) may be chosen for its economy and combustion characteristics in a lean premix. A pilot fuel (40) may be chosen for having a low diffusion flame temperature and a clean burn. An oxygenated pilot fuel such as dimethyl ether (DME) has a lower flame temperature than natural gas, thereby reducing NOx from the pilot flame. The pilot fuel (40) may be produced from the primary fuel (30) by a reformer (50) associated with the combustion apparatus.
US08511088B2
A gas turbine combustor, which can enable only a swirler and a heat shield to be readily taken out from the combustor upon the exchange the swirler and the heat shield. The gas turbine combustor includes: a combustion cylinder; a fuel injection unit for supplying fuel to a head portion of the combustion cylinder; a support member configured for allowing the fuel injection unit to be supported by the combustion cylinder; and a heat shield adapted for heat-insulating the support member from combustion gas in the combustion chamber, wherein the fuel injection unit includes a fuel injection valve for injecting the fuel, and a swirler for supplying compressed air to the fuel injected from the fuel injection valve while swirling the compressed air. The swirler and heat shield are connected together, constituting a swirler unit. This swirler unit is detachably attached to the support member via a fastening member.
US08511086B1
A system for reducing combustion dynamics in a combustor includes an end cap having an upstream surface axially separated from a downstream surface, and tube bundles extend through the end cap. A diluent supply in fluid communication with the end cap provides diluent flow to the end cap. Diluent distributors circumferentially arranged inside at least one tube bundle extend downstream from the downstream surface and provide fluid communication for the diluent flow through the end cap. A method for reducing combustion dynamics in a combustor includes flowing fuel through tube bundles that extend axially through an end cap, flowing a diluent through diluent distributors into a combustion chamber, wherein the diluent distributors are circumferentially arranged inside at least one tube bundle and each diluent distributor extends downstream from the end cap, and forming a diluent barrier in the combustion chamber between at least one pair of adjacent tube bundles.
US08511078B2
The innovation herein proposed describes a plant to produce electricity by the sea waves. The plant is designed to be installed on shore, near shore and offshore scenarios: on the coast line, in shallow waters and in deep waters. The plant is operated by action of the sea waves on a series of floaters (A). The resultant force on each floater (A) acts on a mechanical load amplifier (B) which moves two vertical high pressure piston pumps (C). These pumps (C) send pressurized fresh water to a hyperbaric system (E). The hyperbaric system (E) supplies an outflow water jet through a controlled valve that moves a conventional turbine (G). This turbine (G) connected to the electric generator (H) produce electricity.
US08511074B2
A heat transfer unit for an internal combustion engine includes a first channel with an inlet and an outlet. The first channel is configured to have a fluid to be cooled flow therethrough. The second channel is configured to have a cooling fluid flow therethrough. A partition wall(s) is disposed to separate the first channel from the second channel. Ribs extend from partition wall(s) into the first channel and are disposed in a principal flow direction of the fluid to be cooled. The second channel comprises a first section and a second section in the principal flow direction. The ribs of the first section have a first cross section in a first flow-off portion that is constant in the principal flow direction. The ribs of the second section have a second cross section in a second flow-off portion that widens in the principal flow direction.
US08511068B2
A technique is provided which is capable of reducing an amount of smoke generated in a temperature raising system in which fuel added to an exhaust gas flowing through an exhaust passage is caused to combust at the time of requesting a temperature rise in an exhaust gas purification catalyst.When a request for raising the temperature of an exhaust gas purification catalyst is made, bypass control is carried out in which the exhaust gas having bypassed a turbine is caused to flow into the exhaust gas purification catalyst through a bypass passage, and fuel ignition control is carried out in which a fuel addition valve is caused to add fuel to the exhaust gas which has flowed out of the turbine, and a glow plug is caused to ignite the added fuel.
US08511062B2
A variable area fan nozzle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a nacelle having an aft edge and a translating thrust reverser sleeve with a trailing edge. The thrust reverser sleeve is movably disposed aft of the nacelle's aft edge and is movable between a forward position and an aft position. A translating fan nozzle having a forward edge is movably disposed behind the trailing edge, and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An upstream bypass flow exit is defined between the trailing edge and the forward edge when the fan nozzle is in the deployed position. An extendable actuation system is configured to move the fan nozzle between the stowed position and the deployed position.
US08511058B2
A convertible gas turbine propulsion system operates in multiple output modes. The convertible gas turbine propulsion system comprises a gas generator, a first power turbine, a secondary propulsion system and an exhaust duct. The gas generator is configured to produce exhaust gas. The first power turbine is aligned with the gas generator to receive the exhaust gas. The secondary propulsion system is in series with the gas generator and the first power turbine. The exhaust duct coaxially extends from the first power turbine to the secondary propulsion system. The exhaust duct includes an exhaust port for opening the exhaust duct to ambient air pressure and permitting exhaust gas to bypass the secondary propulsion system. In various embodiments of the invention, the first power turbine is connected to a first rotary propulsion system, and the secondary propulsion system comprises a second power turbine or a nozzle.
US08511056B2
Breather air, containing oil mist, is discharged from a nacelle 4 of a gas turbine engine through an exhaust port 26 at a surface 22 of the nacelle 4. Energized air, at relatively high velocity is discharged from a clean air outlet 28, and forms a barrier between the breather air and the external surface 22, so preventing contamination of the surface 22 by oil deposited from the breather air.
US08511050B1
A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper driven by a drive roller at one end and an idler roller at the other end. The draper is carried on a plurality of support rollers parallel to the first and second rollers for supporting the upper run of the draper at spaced positions therealong. The draper includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided an integral extruded sealing member extending along the cutter bar defining a first stiffer portion attached to the cutter bar and a second flexible blade portion which extends rearwardly from the first portion at the cutter bar to lie over and in contact with a bead along a front edge portion of the draper.
US08511049B2
A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
US08511047B2
One aspect of the invention pertains to a device for mixing and dispensing fluids, which generally includes a housing; a mixing chamber having a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and an outlet through which fluid may exit the mixing chamber; and a valving rod received within the mixing chamber and movable between an open position, in which the first and second inlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a cleaning position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first inlet but does not seal closed the second inlet, and a closed position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first and second inlets.
US08511042B2
A method for constructing a structure from ice in a low-temperature environment includes providing a plurality of icicles and attaching icicles to each other to form a framework of icicles. Additional ice is grown on the framework, and then the steps of providing icicles, attaching icicles to each other and to the existing framework, and growing additional ice on the framework are repeated as needed until the structure is completed.
US08511041B2
Assembly for the temporary attachment of a vertical masonry guide to the inner leaf of a cavity wall
Assembly for temporarily attaching a vertical masonry guide to an inner leaf of a cavity wall during laying of the bricks of an outer leaf of a cavity wall, comprising an inner leaf attaching part for attaching the assembly to the inner leaf, a masonry guide attaching part for attaching the assembly to the masonry guide, and a connecting part for mutually connecting the inner leaf attaching part and the masonry guide attaching part.
US08511035B2
In an anchor for the attachment to flat building components including two cover plates and an intermediate support core layer wherein the anchor comprises an expansion body and a wedge body which is inserted into the expansion body and includes an opening for inserting a mounting means, the installed anchor is disposed in an opening of the component which extends through the cover plates and the intermediate support core plate. The expansion body has spreadable engagement elements, wherein, with the anchor installed, a cylinder zone is in contact with the bore wall of the first cover plate, and a wedging zone spreads out engagement elements behind the first cover plate. A part of the anchor is additionally disposed in the second cover plate.
US08511032B2
A building structure is provided that includes a floor structure and a series of studs extending vertically adjacent the floor structure. A clip is provided. The clip is connected to the floor structure and projects outwardly therefrom and includes a stud retainer for engaging and retaining a flange of a stud. The stud retainer includes a channel through which the flange of the stud extends. The stud retainer is connected to the flange of the stud in such a manner that the stud can move vertically in the channel.
US08511030B2
Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side edges, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face.
US08511028B2
Producing grid tees with a range of service duty, reflected in the use of various gauge sheet stock, that exhibit an effective uniform thickness at their cross tee slots by locally altering a grid tee in the area of its cross tee receiving slot or slots so that the grid tee has a uniform effective thickness at these area(s) that can be standardized across a manufacturer's range of tee load ratings. Preferably, a grid tee is permanently stamped with an indentation or dimple adjacent the cross tee slot and a cross tee connector has a lead edge area arranged to seat against the bottom of the indentation.
US08511017B2
An apparatus constituting the walls and frame of a building with a series of interlocking panels, preferably composed of two sheets of metal, bound together by polyurethane foam injected between them. The panels are secured to the floor via metallic columns found at each juncture between two panels. Electric assemblies and setups, as well as plumbing outlets are preinstalled within the panels, facilitating rapid installation. Windows, doors, and A/C vents are also crafted into the panels at their inception, prior to their transport to the construction site. It is the intent of the present invention to provide an avenue for affordable, durable, and efficient housing that may be constructed quickly with minimal effort in the absence of heavy machinery, and without any advanced tools.
US08511015B2
The invention relates to a mobile partitioning wall with several wall elements suspended at running rails. In order to provide a mobile partitioning wall, which is designed to be simple to manufacture and to mount and to be universally applicable, and offers simple and variable possibilities to be optionally completed with add-on parts, the wall elements are formed without supporting frame, and mounting elements are horizontally and/or vertically disposed at the edge sides of the wall elements.
US08511014B2
A removable highly secured high impact wall panel mounting system for mounting at least one wall panel having a front face, a rear face and at least one first attachment portion attached to a portion of the rear face, to a wall in an area of high traffic, comprising at least one second attachment portion and at least one joint closure having an elongated strip. The elongated strip includes a longitudinal axis and a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile including a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls connecting the top wall to the bottom wall. Each pair of flanges is disposed substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the strip. In one embodiment, a bottom support bracket is provided to cooperate with a plurality of hooks disposed on a wall panel. A vacuum lifter is further provided to make removal of the wall panel easier.
US08511010B2
A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided.
US08511005B2
In areas with propensity for tornados, for example in the central part of the country, the plain states, the mid-west, and also in Florida, it is customary to have some form of storm shelter in which the occupants of commercial and residential buildings can seek refuge in the event of a tornado. The safest type of storm shelter is a so-called in-ground storm shelter. The embodiments of the In-Ground Storm Shelter are comprised of a bottom, a left side and a right side. The In-Ground Storm Shelter is further comprised of a front side and a back side, and a top side. The top side is further comprised of a removable back door, a sliding door, a top left shoulder and a top right shoulder.
US08510990B2
A presence detector for a door assembly which includes a door closing a door entrance is described herein. The detector includes a transducer assembly mounted to the door assembly for emitting at least one ultrasound detecting beam adjacent the door entrance and for triggering a detecting signal indicative of a body located adjacent the door entrance when the body intersects the at least one ultrasound detecting beam and a controller for receiving information indicative of a position of the door and for controlling the emission of the at least one detecting beam accordingly with the position of the door. The detector assembly operates in crossing, ranging or dual modes.
US08510989B2
A door position detecting apparatus comprises a switch including a body having two electrical contacts and a through-channel. The through-channel of the switch receives a hinge pin inserted therethrough and further inserted into a door hinge. Two lever arms extend from the body. Each of the arms is attached to a respective one of the electrical contacts. The arms have a first position relative to each other wherein the contacts are electrically connected to each other, and a second position relative to each other wherein the contacts are electrically disconnected from each other. Biasing means biases the arms against a fixed door jamb and a rotatable door, respectively, such that one of the arms follows movement of the rotatable door from an open position of the door to a closed position of the door. Monitoring means monitors whether the contacts are electrically connected to each other.
US08510987B2
A plant pot made of plastic with a predominantly vertically aligned wall and a predominantly horizontally aligned bottom connected on the edge with the wall, which is arched upwards at least in an inner part in the form of a cupola, is configured to secure the bottom area against being compressed through and dented through the material that is as thin-walled as possible, in such a way that the cupola is reinforced by profile braces that run as interties from a central area of the cupola to at least the peripheral areas of the cupola.
US08510984B2
The present disclosure relates to a temperature regulated, pressure activated liquid scent dispenser. The pressure in the interior of the container may increase as ambient temperature increases. A release structure of the container may release a portion of the liquid scent once a threshold pressure or threshold amount of pressure build-up is reached in the interior of the container. A method comprises filling the interior volume with a liquid scent so that the interior volume also includes a volume of air, suspending the dispenser over a ground surface, and dispensing the liquid scent from the interior volume through the release structure. Due to an increase of pressure of the volume of air, and upon reaching a threshold air pressure, the release structure releases a portion of the liquid scent from the interior volume. Applications may include dispensing animal attractant or repellent.
US08510981B1
A stem or adapter for boresighting weapons includes a first portion having a weapon insertion end including a centering device including a plurality of fingers which compress upon insertion into a bore of a weapon. A second portion has a first end attached to an end of the first portion opposite to the weapon insertion end. The second portion has a coupling end including an attachment feature opposite the first end for attaching another member thereto. The second portion is largely tungsten carbide, and the first portion is formed from a material that is largely not tungsten carbide to provide sufficient flexibility to allow the fingers to spring load when inserted into the bore of the weapon.
US08510978B2
The present invention relates to an RFID tag holder, which comprises an RFID tag carrier used to carry an RFID tag, and a base having a circular surface, a holding portion and at least one magnetic component disposed therein. The shape of the circular surface matches that of the disposing hole, the magnetic component is used to make the disposing hole magnetically attachable to combine the base with the disposing hole, and two clip arms of a holding unit grip the holding portion and hold the RFID tag carrier after passing through two through holes of a metal substrate. The RFID tag holder has the following advantages: fast installation, low cost and reusability; is suitable for disposing holes with any depth and size; reduced interference and improved reading effect; no extra processing cost; dust-proof, water-proof and oil-resistant; and better composability, extensibility and flexibility.
US08510975B2
A foldable footwear for easy storage, comprising an upper; an insole having a top surface and a bottom surface; the insole defining a first folding member comprising a U-shaped indentation in the top surface; a padding layer positioned on the top surface of the insole; and an outsole attached to the bottom surface of the insole and the upper, the outsole defining a second folding member, wherein the first and second folding members are positioned at an approximate middle section of the footwear and act together to ease folding of the footwear.
US08510970B2
The present disclosure describes a performance enhancing shoe sole that includes an anterior support structure and a posterior support structure that are connected by a first support structure. The anterior support structure and posterior support structure are flexible bent spring structures. The first support structure provides a plantar interface that includes a midfoot arch. The shoe sole is positionable in a shoe to provide shock absorption and controlled energy return from the posterior support structure to the first support structure. The shoe sole is an interconnected bent spring system that can be a single ribbon of flexible material defining multiple pivot angles or a multi-layered cantilevered flexible bent spring. The shoe sole can also include inserts that dampen shock.
US08510968B2
A paint drying booth includes a plurality of walls, a ceiling, and an access door for egress and ingress. A turbine generates heated compressed air which is delivered to the interior of the booth via a duct system. The duct is in fluid communication with an air knife having a slit which delivers a stream or sheet of air into the interior of the booth. More than one air knife can be provided, and the orientation of the plurality of air knives are coordinated to provide a flow of heated turbulent air within the booth to accelerate the drying of painted items within the booth. The turbine comprises a multi-stage compressor including a plurality of rotors and stators for compressing air passing therethrough. Optionally a pneumatic spray gun can be provided for painting the items within the booth as well.
US08510965B2
The invention relates to an integral magnetic compass for obtaining deviations in real time, formed by a transparent sphere or cylinder (2), incorporating therein, in a hydrocarbon liquid (3), a polyester or silicon disk (4) to which the rose (5) and the magnet (6) are fitted, being associated with a commutation system formed by integrated software in a device or chip (7), the circuit of which has two inputs: an input (8) to the signal obtained from the magnetic compass (1) itself, obtained by means of a magnetometer (9) or optical reader (10) in association therewith, and another input (11) to the signal from the satellite compass (12) or from the gyroscopic compass (13), and said circuit having an output (14) to a display (15) for viewing and storage of the data for the corresponding deviations, thus obtaining the deviation chart for the magnetic needle in real time, said output being also applicable to the automatic pilot (16).
US08510963B2
A tool for tracing a curve from a first plane (such as a wall) onto a second plane perpendicular to the first plane (such as a floor tile) is disclosed. The tool includes a base member having opposite first and second ends with first and second sliders positioned on the base member adjacent the first and second ends, respectively. The sliders are configured to bear against the first plane simultaneously. The tool also includes an arm extending away from the base member with a marking tool positioned at an end of the arm opposite the base member. The marking tool is configured to mark the second plane while the first and second sliders bear against the first plane. The base member is preferably articulated and each of the sliders preferably consist of pairs of coaxially aligned wheels.
US08510954B2
The invention refers to a bearing unit and a method for its manufacture incorporating an outer race ring (1), an inner race ring (4) having an inner envelope surface with an axially tapering saw-tooth profile (6), a thin-walled axially slotted sleeve (7), having a tapering saw-tooth profile (9) on its outer envelope surface, cooperating with the saw-tooth profile (6) in the inner race ring (4) for increasing and decreasing the grip of the thin-walled sleeve against a shaft, when inner race ring (4) and sleeve (7) are mutually displaced, a flange (10) connected to the sleeve (7) and having tightening means (11) operable to cause the displacement between sleeve (7) and inner race ring (4), rolling bodies (12) positioned between inner and outer race rings, wherein the surface of the inner race ring (4) presenting the tapering saw-tooth profile (6) has been subjected to a turning operation followed by hardening.
US08510936B2
A manufacturing method of package carrier is provided. A first copper foil layer, a second copper foil layer on the first foil layer, a third copper foil layer and a fourth foil layer on the third foil layer are provided. The second copper foil layer is partially bonded the fourth copper foil layer by an adhesive gel so as to form a substrate of which the peripheral region is glued and the effective region is not glued. Therefore, the thinner substrate can be used in the following steps, such as patterning process or plating process. In addition, the substrate can be extended be the package carrier structure with odd-numbered layer or even-numbered layer.
US08510927B2
A method of forming a golf club head having improved aerodynamic characteristics. The method comprises a largest tangent circle method utilizing a cartesian coordinate system. The method results in the highest point of the crown surface located within a crown apex zone, wherein this location aids in the improved aerodynamic properties of the golf club head.
US08510926B2
A method of repairing a stator assembly of a gas turbine engine includes removing a worn surface of the stator assembly to provide a revealed area, and securing additional material to the stator assembly utilizing gas metal arc welding.
US08510925B2
A system and method for repairing a hollow fan blade. In one aspect the blade includes a hollow portion having a plug disposed therein, wherein the plug is smaller than the opening. During processing the blade is located under a vacuum box and the gap is sealed between the plug and the opening using a fiber laser.
US08510921B2
A cremation urn display has a floor, a top, and a perimeter sidewall. A viewable portion on the top or sidewall includes fasteners upon which a memorial display is surface mounted. The display includes a mounted butterfly fixed in a container having a viewable display panel. No recess need be formed in the top or sidewall to accommodate mounting of the display. The display is removable from the urn, and contains a sealable capsule for retaining a portion of cremated remains.
US08510912B2
A self-closing device is for sliding doors of the type including at least one sliding leaf (2) which is hung from an upper profile (3). The device (1) includes a drive belt (10) configured to be joined to the sliding leaf (2); a closing pulley (20), provided with an elastic device (30), which is arranged on a first rotation axis (4) integral to the upper profile (3) and which engages with a first end (11) of the drive belt (10); and a brake pulley (40), provided with a stop (50), which is arranged on a second rotation axis (5) integral to the upper profile (3) and which engages with a second end (12) of the drive belt (10) opposite to the first end (11). The rotation movement of both pulleys (20, 40) is connected by the drive belt (10).
US08510910B1
A portable air blower is selectively removably secured to the upper end of a length adjustable extension pole to blow twigs, leaves or other debris from a rain gutter or other elevated structures or surfaces.
US08510907B2
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises at least one cyclone and at least one dirt collection chamber. The dirt collection chamber has a removeably mounted door.
US08510904B2
A suction cleaning apparatus comprising a dirt collection container which has a suction inlet and is fluidly connected to at least one suction unit via at least one filter and at least one suction channel is provided. The suction cleaning apparatus further has at least one external air inlet which opens out into the suction channel downstream of the at least one filter and which is selectively closable and openable by means of a closing body. In order to reduce the installation space of the closing body required for proper filter cleaning, the suction channel has an external air inlet wall with at least one external air inlet. The closing body, sliding along the outer side of the external air inlet wall, is reciprocatingly movable between a closed position closing the at least one external air inlet and an open position opening the at least one external air inlet.
US08510898B2
A windshield wiper blade assembly comprises: an elastic wiper blade; first and second housings secured to and covering a top end of the wiper blade and made from a plastic material; and a middle housing disposed between the first and second housings and having two end segments and a middle segment extending between the end segments. The end segments of the middle housing cover and are secured to the top end of the wiper blade at the end sections of the middle portion, respectively, and have ends in contact with ends of the first and second housings, respectively. The middle segment defines a frame space for extension of a connecting piece therein and includes a skeleton and a plastic molding layer molded over the skeleton.
US08510891B2
A plumbing auger attachment tool which provides means for solid object retrieval from the interior of a toilet waste pipe or other drain pipes. The attachment has a series of rubber tentacles affixed to the end of the spiral wiring of a plumbing snake auger. The lengths of string act to entangle solid debris otherwise blocking the flow of water through the pipe. A magnetic casing also assists to attract ferrous material blockages in the pipe. This improvement on a standard plumbing snake permits solid item retrieval, such as pens and toys, which a wire coil auger is not capable. The strings are sent down the length of pipe at the base of a toilet by a rotating action, which rotates and extends the wire coil auger and the improved attachment. Once entangled with a debris source, that debris can be removed from the pipe to clear the obstruction.
US08510890B2
An electric toothbrush provided with a function for oscillating a brush body by rotating a weight and a function for applying current inside a user's mouth. The electric toothbrush includes a brush body. A main body includes an attachment shaft, which is formed by a conductive member. The brush body is attached to the attachment shaft. A weight is arranged in the attachment shaft. A motor rotates the weight and oscillates the brush body through the attachment shaft. A power supply is arranged in the main body. A first electrode is connected to the power supply. The first electrode is arranged on the main body in a state exposed from a surface of the main body. A second electrode is connected to the power supply. The second electrode is arranged on the brush body in a state exposed from a surface of the main body.
US08510889B2
Disclosed herein is an automated pool cleaning vehicle (PCV) having a middle roller. The PCV having a housing. The housing defines an interior. Located within the interior is a pump and a filter bag. The housing also includes a bottom, which is generally curved in a concave manner. The housing further includes a chassis. The pump creates a vacuum for sucking up dirt and debris into the filter bag through intakes in the housing. The housing including first and second pairs of wheels connected to the chassis. Between the front and second wheels is a middle roller, also connected to the chassis. In a first embodiment, the middle roller includes a single roller, which is approximately the same diameter as the wheels of the first and second pairs of wheels. In other embodiments, the wheels of the middle roller are larger or smaller. In yet another embodiment, the middle roller includes a series of wheels.
US08510887B2
A drum-type washing machine that includes a program controller, a drum rotatably mounted in a detergent solution tub, a detergent solution discharge system disposed at a base of the detergent solution tub having a detergent solution drain pump, a sensor for determining a foam level and/or a negative time gradient of a liquid/air mixture contained in the detergent solution tub, a drive motor for the drum that adjusts a rotation of the drum to eliminate foam in the drum-type washing machine, and a water supply system that adds a small volume of water continuously or discontinuously if foam is detected by the sensor during the run-up to spin speed of the drum with the detergent solution drain pump switched on continuously or discontinuously.
US08510879B2
A bed includes a deck coupled to a frame (10) and having at least a head section which is pivotable relative to the frame. The bed also includes a head end barrier (5′) element along the head section and moveable with the head end section as the head section pivots relative to the frame. The bed also includes an auxiliary barrier element (5) extending footwardly of and overlapping the head end barrier element when both barrier elements are in a raised position.
US08510869B1
A technique for alerting a user of approaching moving objects from the side or rear includes a rear looking radar with audio alerts to the user. Feasibility of the Rear Looking Snow Helmet is shown using the skiing and snowboarding applications where variable frequency (distance related) audio alerts are provided to left and right earphones depending on the location of the approaching skier/snowboarder. The electronics driving the system are mounted in the skier's/snowboarder's helmet while two antenna elements are mounted on the rear of the helmet. A large ON/OFF switch is mounted on the helmet for easy access. We show feasibility of the concept using performance analysis and by proposing an implementation architecture for the skiing and snowboarding applications. We claim the system will meet an acceptable level of performance when parameters are varied and traded off and that the system is technology independent.
US08510865B2
A convertible article of clothing with a compartmented hood section adapted to accept the entire garment therein and provide a carrying pouch for a user. The article comprises a hooded garment, such as a sweatshirt or jacket, wherein the hood acts as a head covering and a convertible pouch with zipper closure. The hood comprises an internal lining which is not visible when in a closed position, and is operably accessed via a vertical zipper closure. When in an open position, the lining is exposed and the hood may be turned inside out to allow the entire garment to fold into the lining. The condensed garment then becomes a satchel, which allows improved storage or transport. The lining is optionally water and stain resistant to offer a level of protection for the garment when in a stowed position.
US08510863B2
The invention is shock absorbing material to be incorporated into protective gear or clothing. The impact shock absorbing material is a laminated material, having a shear-thickening layer and a shock absorbing layer. The shock absorbing layer is a honeycomb material with cell walls. The shear-thickening layer shunts the local impact forces over a greater area of the underlying shock absorbing layer, thereby reducing the force at the point of impact. The vertical walls of the honeycomb layer buckle under the incoming force, thereby diffusing the direction of force away from direct alignment with the body wearing the impact-shock-absorbing material. Protective gear made of the impact shock absorbing material significantly reduces forces imparted to the body as a result of a fall, blow, or other sudden impact.
US08516610B1
Rheology system. The system includes a first piezoelectric actuator assembly for providing microscale displacement of a sample and a second piezoelectric actuator assembly for oscillating the sample at a nano/micro scale displacement in a selected frequency range extended significantly as compared to the frequency range available on the commercial AFMs. A preferred sample is cartilage and the disclosed system can distinguish between normal cartilage and GAG-depleted cartilage.
US08516604B2
In the field of communications, a method and an apparatus for managing a user are provided. The method for managing a user includes the following steps. An identity of a user is authenticated. After the identity authentication of the user is successfully performed, a service router (SR) authenticates a management authority of the user. After the management authority authentication is successfully performed, service configuration management is performed according to the management authority of the user. As compared with the conventional art, by moderately authorizing the lower level user, the technical solutions can reduce the costs of operation and maintenance, improve the efficiency and solve the problem in time, thereby improving customer satisfaction.
US08516597B1
A method for calculating a risk score of a data object may include obtaining a severity level associated with a data object. The severity level may be calculated based on presence of confidential information in the data object. The data object may be a file or a folder. The severity level may be calculated using a data loss prevention policy. The method may further include obtaining metadata associated with the data object. The metadata may comprise at least one of access permission data for the data object and access usage data for the data object. The method may further include calculating a risk score for the data object based on the severity level and the metadata associated with the data object.
US08516595B2
A system and a method for determining the reliability of blacklists is disclosed. Each blacklist comprises IP addresses of supposedly infected computers. The reliability is computed by analyzing whether the blacklist reports or not controlled infections from sandboxed environments and by measuring the elapsed time between reported infections and disinfections. The obtained information is then used in combination with several metrics for determining the trustworthiness of the IP address of a given Internet host that requests an online transaction with the purpose of granting or denying access to a service.
US08516590B1
Detecting a malicious advertisement is disclosed. An advertisement is analyzed. A determination that the advertisement is associated with malicious activity is made. An indication that the advertisement is malicious is provided as output. The indication can be provided as a report, such as to a publisher and can also be provided using an API, such as to the entity responsible for serving the advertisement.
US08516582B2
Method and system using a designated known secure computer for real time classification of change events in a computer integrity system are disclosed. In the embodiment of the invention, the known secure computer, having only inbound connection, is dedicated for providing permissible change events, which are compared with change events generated on client operational computers. An alert is generated when the change event at the client operational computer and the respective permissible change event provided by the known secure computer mismatch.
US08516578B1
Aspects of the invention relate generally to validating array bounds in an API emulator. More specifically, an OpenGL (or OpenGL ES) emulator may examine each array accessed by a 3D graphic program. If the program requests information outside of an array, the emulator may return an error when the graphic is drawn. However, when the user (here, a programmer) queries the value of the array, the correct value (or the value provided by the programmer) may be returned. In another example, the emulator may examine index buffers which contain the indices of the elements on the other arrays to access. If the program requests a value which is not within the range, the emulator may return an error when the graphic is drawn. Again, when the programmer queries the value of the array, the correct value (or the value provided by the programmer) may be returned.
US08516557B2
A user terminal apparatus with a security function and a security-control method are provided, which may prevent unauthorized use of the user terminal apparatus without requiring a user to lock up the user terminal apparatus. The user terminal apparatus includes an input sensing unit which senses a user's input to the user terminal apparatus, an information collecting unit which collects information regarding an input state, which is determined based on the user's input, and a transition of the determined state, and a security-control unit which determines whether the user is valid based on the collected information and controls a security function.
US08516552B2
A first wireless end-user communication device comprising a user interface and at least one processor configured to: use a forwarding agent on the first wireless end-user communication device to forward traffic between a first wireless access network and one or more other wireless end-user communication devices according to a forwarding policy to implement a forwarding service, the forwarding policy associated with one or more policy settings, the one or more other wireless end-user communication devices communicatively coupled to the first wireless end-user communication device over a wireless local area network or a wireless personal area network; obtain, through the user interface, a modification request to modify an aspect of the forwarding service; modify at least one of the one or more policy settings based at least in part on the modification request; and provide an accounting of a usage associated with the forwarding service.
US08516550B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing user information to a service provider. The method may include receiving a message including a communication device identifier; storing the communication device identifier with an identifier associated with a user of the communication device so that the communication device identifier is associated with the user identifier; transmitting a consent request message to the user; receiving a response to the consent request message, which response indicates that the user has provided the requested consent; and in response to receiving the response to the consent request message, transmitting a consent confirmation message to the service provider.
US08516538B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for protecting data residing in a repository of an electronic product code information service against undesired data disclosure. One or more disclosure policies are defined for an item tagged with an electronic product code. The item has associated data stored in the repository. The disclosure policies describe one or more of: who is permitted to query the repository for information, what type of information is permitted to be obtained from the repository in response to a query, and under what condition the repository can be queried. The disclosure policies are enforced in response to a received query from a party by only disclosing a subset of the data from the repository, the subset being determined in accordance with the defined one or more disclosure policies. A web-based tool for defining disclosure policies is also described.
US08516536B2
A method of censoring Internet content includes: packetizing a web page into one or more data packets (50); inserting into the data packets censorship ratings corresponding to the web page's content; conveying the data packets (50) over the Internet (30) to a receiving end user terminal (10); determining the censorship ratings of the data packets (50); and, acting on the data packets (50) in response to their determined censorship ratings.
US08516535B2
A broadcast signal reception method and a reception system are provided. The reception system includes a first processor, a second processor, and a storage medium. The first processor receives and processes a signaling table, the signaling table comprising first signaling information including access information of Non-Real-Time (NRT) service data and second signaling information including media object association information of the NRT service data. The second processor receives the NRT service data and processes a file including the received NRT service data based on the access information and the media object association information processed by the first processor. The storage medium stores the processed file of the NRT service data.
US08516531B2
Technology which facilitates a reduction in time of the presentation of video content after a viewer changes channels is described. Frames of a video stream associated with a channel are analyzed to identify locations of access points in the video stream prior to relaying the video stream to a presentation device. Information indicating the locations of access points is stored. The video stream is then time shifted on a continuous basis and is transmitted to the presentation device which made the request for as long as the presentation device remains tuned to the channel corresponding to the request. A first available frame on or before an access point of the time shifted video stream is selected based on the stored information, which is used to commence the transmission of the time shifted video to the presentation device, which facilitates a more immediate presentation of video content.
US08516526B2
A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.
US08516524B2
A method and apparatus for highlighting a program listing in a set of program listings based on selection criteria. The selection criteria may indicate that the a broadcaster has agreed to pay a service provider in return for the service provider ensuring that a program listing, corresponding to the program of the broadcaster, is highlighted in a program page that displays a set of program listings, such as television program listings. If there are multiple program listings, listed in a program page, that are to be highlighted, then details of the respective contracts may be used to determine which program listing to highlight. Such details may include the total contract value, a ratio of contract value-to-page view, and/or the time of contract formation.
US08516521B2
A method may include providing a live, interactive program or information associated with the live, interactive program on a video display device; and providing a live interactive content icon on the video display device when a current time is before an end time of the live, interactive program, the live interactive content icon indicating that live interactive content is available for the live, interactive program.
US08516519B2
Provided are a method and image display device for setting a definition of an image. According to the method, contents are received and a definition selected by a user is received. A definition selection menu to display at least one definition for the contents is displayed and it is determined whether a definition that the user selects is supported by the image display device to display an image on the basis of the definition that the user selects. Then, an optimal definition is displayed on the definition selection menu to display the received contents with the optimal definition in the image display device.
US08516518B2
A video client receives an advertising map over a subscription multimedia network, where the advertising map includes a schedule of default advertisements during a programming break and indications of available alternate advertisements. The video client provides, for display to a user, indicators for the schedule of default advertisements and receives user input to alter the schedule of default advertisements. The video client retrieves advertising content for the altered schedule and presents, on the display and during the programming break, the advertising content for the altered schedule.
US08516510B2
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a main body, an optical disc drive provided in the main body, and a drive management module provided in the main body. The optical disc drive is configured to output an eject signal to an outside in response to an operation of an eject button. The drive management module is configured to supply power to the optical disc drive when the eject signal is received from the optical disc drive which is in a power-off state, to determine, after supplying the power to the optical disc drive, whether the optical disc drive is in a ready state or not, and to send to a signal instructing opening of a tray of the optical disc drive when it is determined that the optical disc drive is in the ready state.
US08516506B2
A method and system for executing an application on a device is disclosed. The device comprises a nonvolatile memory having a file system that stores the application. The nonvolatile memory further includes a backup memory space that stores a backup copy of the application. The system further includes a processing module configured to execute the application and an application programmers interface (API) utilized by the processing module to facilitate instructions from the application to the processing module. The processing module is further configured to retrieve the application from the file system, execute the application on the processing module; monitor interactions between the application and the processing module for an API call from the application to the processing module, and retrieve a backup copy of the application from the backup memory space based on the monitoring for the API call.
US08516500B2
An audience measurement system for gathering data reflecting usage of media data by a user by means of a user system. The user system preprocesses the gathered data into micro-level report objects.
US08516499B2
Assistance in performing an action for a detected event for a monitoring target resource whose connection is not an always-on connection to perform an appropriate action as soon as possible in response to occurrence of a failure. The assistance device stores, in association with an occurrence pattern of an event, information related to plural tasks for determining whether a predetermined condition is fulfilled, and an action to be performed by a corresponding device. Then, the assistance device calculates an index value for determining the level of probability of the occurrence pattern of the event, determines whether the calculated index value is larger than a predetermined value, and sends, to a device to perform the action, the occurrence pattern of the event the index value of which is determined to be larger than the predetermined value, and information related to the plural tasks and the action corresponding to the occurrence pattern.
US08516494B2
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for executing an application on a parallel computer that include: executing, by a current compute node, a current task of the application, including producing results; determining, by the current compute node in dependence upon current network characteristics and application characteristics, whether to transfer the results to a next compute node for further processing by a next task on the next compute node or to execute the next task for further processing of the results on the current compute node; transferring, by the current compute node, the results to the next compute node for further processing by the next task on the next compute node if the determination specifies transferring the results to the next node; and executing, by the current compute node, the next task for further processing of the results if the determination specifies executing the next task on the current compute node.
US08516492B2
A method and system are provided for load balancing and partial task-processor binding. The method may provide for migrating at least one first task partially bound to and executing on at least one first processor. In accordance with the method, if at least one first condition is true, then the at least one first task may be migrated to at least one second processor such that the at least one second processor executes the at least one first task. Moreover, in accordance with the method, if at least one second condition is true, the at least one first task may be migrated back to the at least one first processor such that the at least one first processor executes the at least one first task.
US08516491B2
An algorithm in a multi-core processor having a plurality of cores for deciding processing allocation to each core to distribute the processing load thereof, and an efficient processing allocation algorithm simplified for software engineers are established. In order to achieve the above processing load distribution, the multi-core processor includes a plurality of basic modules divided into minimum configuration units, each having a uniform input/output format interface, so as to perform required processing contents in the overall processor. As an initial allocation, the above plurality of basic modules are allocated in distribution to the above plurality of cores, and subsequently, based on functional information of each core, the above plurality of initially allocated basic modules are relocated either periodically or at appropriate timing.
US08516484B2
A wake-and-go mechanism is provided for a data processing system. When a thread is waiting for an event, rather than performing a series of get-and-compare sequences, the thread updates a wake-and-go array with a target address associated with the event. The thread then goes to sleep until the event occurs. The wake-and-go array may be a content addressable memory (CAM). When a transaction appears on the symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) fabric that modifies the value at a target address in the CAM, the CAM returns a list of storage addresses at which the target address is stored. The operating system or a background sleeper thread associates these storage addresses with the threads waiting for an even at the target addresses, and may wake the one or more threads waiting for the event.
US08516478B1
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for processing a task utilizing a virtual machine as a function of an aspect of another virtual machine. In use, a task to be processed is identified. Furthermore, the task is processed utilizing at least one virtual machine located in a device as a function of at least one aspect of at least one other virtual machine located on the device.
US08516477B1
A method is described for deploying a software application to run on each server in a group of servers configured to provide a service based on the software application. A dashboard, as a unified user interface for all of the servers of the group, is presented on a user terminal device. One or more user inputs via the dashboard automatically initiate parallel processing with respect to all of the servers of the group. The automate processing include: (i) backing up current server application code for the service, for each of the servers of the group; (ii) installing a new server application code file, for the software application, in each of the servers of the group; and (iii) restarting each server to implement the service by running the software application from the new server application code file.
US08516453B2
Partition-based static analysis of computer software applications may include inspecting each of a plurality of modules of a computer software application to identify at least one dependency of the inspected module on at least one other module of the computer software application, for each of the inspected modules, determining any transitive dependencies of the inspected module from the dependencies identified for the inspected module, performing a first static analysis on one of the inspected modules and its transitive dependencies, and performing a second static analysis on another of the inspected modules and its transitive dependencies, where the first and second analyses may be performed independently from each other.
US08516451B2
A method for creating a virtual callback object using a client callback object. A client device executes a client application. A client callback object is used by the client application in a client/server transaction between a server device and the client device. A recorder module captures the client/server transaction between the client device and the server device, and the client callback object is used in the client/server transaction. Internal client operations may be filtered from the client callback object to create the virtual callback object. A script may be generated using the virtual callback object.
US08516444B2
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are disclosed for debugging a high performance computing program by gathering lists of addresses of calling instructions for a plurality of threads of execution of the program, assigning the threads to groups in dependence upon the addresses, and displaying the groups to identify defective threads.
US08516439B2
Methods, apparatuses, and articles for enabling, by a computing device, provision of a visual manifestation of an object of interest and of one or more other objects related to the object of interest to a user of the computing device, are described herein. In various embodiments, the one or more other objects may be arranged in a manner conveying a degree of relationship, the visual manifestation further including a first indication of at least one exceptional relationship between any two objects or a second indication of a security status of one of the objects. Further, the computing device may facilitate the user in interacting with the visual manifestation, including altering or expanding the visual manifestation in response to a user interaction.
US08516438B2
An apparatus creates a user-defined .NET class within an operational control environment of distributed computing systems. The apparatus includes a define module that allows a user to create a new class and define properties for the new class in a specification. After the user creates the new class, the define module creates a .NET class based on the specification. In addition, a method for creating a user-defined .NET class within an operational control environment of distributed computing systems includes receiving a user-defined class; receiving user-defined properties for the user-defined class; and creating a .NET class based on the user-defined class and properties.
US08516435B2
A method for generating implementation artifacts for contextually-aware business applications includes utilizing a platform independent model (PIM) of a business application; generating a platform specific model (PSM) from the PIM, wherein the generating of a PSM includes one or more transformations between one or more meta-models of the PIM and one or more meta-models of the generated PSM; generating implementation artifacts; and binding the generated implementation artifacts with any existing services of the business application.
US08516433B1
An improved approach is described for analyzing and estimating products having arrays of uncommitted logic, and matching these products to electronic designs. The approach can be applied to any type of product that include arrays of uncommitted logic, such as gate arrays and field programmable gate arrays. An approach is described for performing memory mapping in the context of selecting an electronic product having an array of uncommitted logic.
US08516432B2
Reconstruction methods and devices are disclosed for scan chains in physical design that is based on two-way priority selection. The structural reconstruction method in the scan chains, in the first place, establishes a first preference sequence for a certain number of scanning elements in each of these scan chains as well as a secondary preference sequence for these scan chains in each of these scanning elements respectively. Then, two-way selection is executed between the scan chains and scanning elements based on the corresponding first preference sequence and secondary preference sequence, so that these scanning elements can be redistributed to these scan chains. The structural reconstruction method and device in the invention conduct an integrated optimization for a global scan chain, where the global wiring length is shortened dramatically and the wiring efficiency is improved.
US08516430B2
There is provided a test apparatus for testing a device under test, including a plurality of operational units that operate in response to control data supplied thereto to test the device under test, a control section that generates packet data containing the control data and unit selection data indicating which one or more of the plurality of operational units are to be selected, and a plurality of data transfer units that are cascade-connected to each other so that the packet data is transferred from each of the plurality of data transfer units to a data transfer unit of a following stage, where each of the plurality of data transfer units corresponds to one or more of the plurality of operational units. Here, when each of the plurality of data transfer units receives the packet data whose unit selection data indicates that one or more of the operational units corresponding thereto are to be selected, the data transfer unit inputs the control data contained in the packet data into the selected operational units or reads data from the selected operational units.
US08516428B2
Methods, systems, and media to improve the manufacturability of cells and structures within cells of an integrated circuit are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a method of arranging programmable cells, routing the programmable cells, analyzing the cell arrangement and interconnect wiring for manufacturing improvement opportunities, and modifying the programmable cell structures to incorporate the manufacturing improvements. In some embodiments, wires are spread to prevent shorting. In other embodiments, the reliability of contacts and vias is improved by adding additional metallization to the areas surrounding the contacts and vias, or by adding redundant contacts and vias. In one embodiment, a series of manufacturing improvements are made to integrated circuit cells in an iterative fashion.
US08516421B1
A property generation tool that automatically generates a property for a circuit design from a signal trace of the circuit design. The property generation tool receives a trace of a circuit design. The trace includes signal values for a number of signals of the circuit design over a number of clock cycles. Signal signatures are generated from one or more characteristics of the signal values. Sets of candidate signals are identified from the circuit design signals based on the signal signatures. One or more properties of the circuit design are generated based on the signal values associated with the sets of candidate signals. The property can be output, for example, for display to a user of the property generation tool. Examples of properties that are generated by the property generation tool include handshaking properties and fairness properties.
US08516417B2
The invention relates to a method and a system for repartitioning a formalized hardware description of a hierarchically structured electronic circuit design unit comprising a plurality of macros in terms of latch macros and combinatorial macros. In a first step, each macro is dissected into latch macros and signal cones in such a way that each signal cone comprises signals linking macro input/output to a latch output/input, and each latch macro comprises at least one latch, each primary input an output of said latch macro coinciding with an input or an output of a latch within said latch macro. Subsequently, combinatorial macros are created by merging combinatorial signal cones along unit signal paths.
US08516407B1
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit is disclosed that includes, in accordance with an embodiment, providing a double patterning technology-compliant logical design for the integrated circuit, the logical design including a plurality of elements; scoring the design of one or more of the plurality of elements to produce a design score; modifying the design based at least in part on the design score; generating a mask set implementing the modified logical design; and employing the mask set to implement the logical design in and on a semiconductor substrate.
US08516406B1
Various embodiments are directed at methods and systems for implementing automatic fixing of a layout, implementing fuzzy pattern replacement, and implementing pattern capturing in a layout of an electronic circuit design. Various processes or modules comprise the act or module of identifying a first pattern from within an electronic circuit layout. The processes or modules also comprise identifying a fixing process or a replacement pattern for the first pattern and the act of performing pattern replacement or pattern fixing on the first pattern. The processes or modules may further comprise the act or module of searching the layout for patterns that match the first pattern, and the act or module of performing pattern replacement of pattern fixing on the patterns that match the first pattern. Some embodiments are also directed at articles of manufacture embodying a sequence of instructions for implementing the processes described here.
US08516399B2
A collaborative environment for performing physical verification processes on integrated circuit designs. Multiple physical verification results may be stored in a “unified” results database/directory (e.g., unified at least from a user's perspective), where results from various verification processes, such as Design-Rule-Check (DRC) processes, Layout-Versus-Schematic comparison (LVS) processes, Design-For-Manufacturing (DFM) processes Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) processes, and Optical Rule Check (ORC) processes are accessible from the same style of user interface, which may be a graphical user interface. The basic abilities for design team-based interactions can be equally available to each process involved in the physical verification of an integrated circuit design.
US08516396B2
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for arranging virtual objects within an immersive virtual environment. In one embodiment, avatar characteristics, viewport/display characteristics, and object/location characteristics may be analyzed to determine a degree of visibility of various locations within a virtual space to a user. Further, past user interactions within the immersive virtual environment may be analyzed to determine which portions of the user's viewport, when including virtual objects that are offered for sale, are most likely to result in a sale to the user. A set of virtual objects may then be assigned to locations within the virtual space based on the determined visibility to the user, past purchases by the user, and characteristics of the virtual objects.
