US08537017B2
Systems and methods for evaluating and displaying an impact. A computer implemented method for interacting with a sports impact sensing and reporting system. The computer implemented method receives sensor data from one or more player modules configured to detect a force experienced by a player. A user interface is configured to graphically display a model of the received sensor data generated based on acceleration and rotational information within the received sensor data, a magnitude of the received sensor data, and a plotted representation of the received sensor data. Assessment tools are presented for a caregiver to assess the player for a medical condition. The received sensor data and a result of the presented medical assessment are stored.
US08537012B2
Methods and other embodiments associated with a display stand with a tether stop are presented. In the preferred embodiment, a display stand includes a base, a mounting member, a tether, a recoiler, and a cable stop. The mounting member is adapted for mounting thereon a display item and is movable between a mounted position in contact with the base. The mounting member is configured to be removed from the base to facilitate viewing and handling of the display item. The tether includes a connector located at one end of the tether to attach the tether to the mounting member. The recoiler recoils the tether. The cable stop moves to a first position to allow the connector to pass through an opening in the base and to a second position to prevent the connector from passing through the opening.
US08537001B1
In embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for remotely monitoring an environment may include receiving sensor data from a sensor placed in an environment. The sensor data may be processed to obtain monitoring information for the environment. The monitoring information may be transmitted over a network.
US08537000B2
An anti-drowsing device includes: an ECU that outputs a warning via a buzzer when a collision possibility between a preceding object and the vehicle is detected; a warning control ECU that establishes an early-warning mode in which a warning is output earlier from that used in a normal mode; and a driver monitor camera and a driver monitor ECU that monitors a driver's eyes. The warning control ECU establishes the early-warning mode when the eye-closing period of the driver becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and thereafter maintains the early-warning mode until the eye-closing period of the driver falls below a second threshold value.
US08536993B2
A modular system for providing bicycles at a given location according to a desired configuration, the system comprising at least one bicycle rack for storing a bicycle, each bicycle rack comprising an electronic lock for removably securing a corresponding bicycle thereto, each bicycle rack further comprising a corresponding attaching means having an electrical connector operatively coupled to the electronic lock, an energy providing means for providing energy to each electronic lock, the energy providing means comprising a corresponding attaching means having a connector operatively coupled thereto and a structure to be installed at the given location, the structure comprising an elongated base, a plurality of spaced-apart receiving means located on the base, each of the spaced-apart receiving means being adapted for receiving a selected attaching means from the at least one bicycle rack and the energy providing means according to the desired configuration and an electric network interconnecting each of the spaced-apart receiving means to thereby provide a modular system for providing bicycles.
US08536991B2
A decorative doorbell device is provided that includes a base unit attachable to a door and an ornamental housing unit rotatably lockable to the base unit. A doorbell ringer may be attached to the ornamental housing unit with a wireless activator so that a sound-producing unit is remotely activated by the wireless activator. The ornamental housing unit may be formed in the shape of a football helmet and decorated with a particular team's logo and colors on in any other desired ornamentation and shape.
US08536989B2
A method provides a communication link between a first location such as a digital cinema theater and a second location such as a support station. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of initiating a communication link between a first location and a second location in response to an activation by a user, automatically providing an identification associated with the first location to the second location via the communication link and wherein the identification enables the second location to obtain information relating to an undesirable operating condition of the first location.
US08536982B2
A reader for reading a memory tag comprises a resonant circuit part, a frequency source, a tuning detector and a tuning controller. The resonant circuit part has a resonant frequency. The frequency source is operable to generate a driving signal and is connected to the resonant circuit part to provide inductive coupling to a tag. The tuning detector is responsive to the relative resonant frequencies of the resonant circuit part and a memory tag resonant circuit part of the memory tag to generate a tuning signal. The tuning controller is responsive to the tuning signal to control the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit part.
US08536979B2
This invention provides an authentication apparatus and an authentication method using a random pulse generator for generating completely random pulses and using a completely random signal as an authentication signal. The authentication apparatus includes: a random pulse generator (hereinafter referred to as the RPG), arranged in a body or a partner side or in both the body and the partner side which generates random pulses; a unit which outputs an authentication signal based on the random pulses generated by the RPG; a unit which stores the authentication signal; a communication unit which transmits/receives an authentication signal; and a control unit which controls the communication of an authentication signal and collate an authentication signal, whereby a complete security can be maintained and safety can be established on the part of the user.
US08536969B2
A transformer having a structure in which first and second substrates are vertically laminated, including: a plurality of input conductive lines disposed on the first substrate along a circumference thereof; a single output conductive line disposed co-planarly with the plurality of input conductive lines, and having one end connected to a ground; and an air bridge including a pair of conductive via holes formed in any one conductive line in an overlapped area in which the input and output conductive lines are intersected with each other to penetrate through the first substrate and a single piece of conductive line connecting the pair of conductive via holes to each other and disposed on the second substrate, thereby preventing a short-circuit between the input and output conductive lines.
US08536960B2
In a filter structure for suppressing a spurious signal, a conductor layer in a printed circuit board includes a pattern with interconnected pattern elements (106 to 114). A pattern element includes a low-impedance conductive region (119) the capacitance of which against a second conductor layer of the printed circuit board is dominant over the inductance. A pattern element includes at least two adjacent high-impedance conductor strips (115, 116) in a first direction, connected to a low-impedance conductive region, and at least two adjacent high-impedance conductor strips (117, 118) in a second direction, connected to the low-impedance conductive region. The inductance of each high-impedance conductor strips is dominant over the capacitance against the second conductor layer. The high-impedance conductor strips form together with the low-impedance conductive region a plurality of resonance points in the frequency range, thus achieving sufficient stop-band width.
US08536957B1
Provided is a high-frequency circuit module that has high mounting density. In a high-frequency circuit module 100, an RFIC 160 that performs transmission and reception processes for high-frequency signals, a power amplifier IC 155 that amplifies a transmission signal from the RFIC, and a duplexer 110 that separates a transmission signal outputted from the power amplifier IC 155 to an antenna and a reception signal that is inputted from the antenna to the RFIC 160 are formed on the top surface thereof. The duplexer 110 is disposed between the RFIC 160 and the power amplifier IC 155.
US08536956B2
In a directional coupler, sub-lines or main lines are electromagnetically coupled to each other to degrade isolation characteristics. A capacitor is located between the sub-lines or between the main lines to cause the isolation characteristics to have poles in order to improve the isolation characteristics of the directional coupler.
US08536955B2
A microwave waveguide, and a system and method related to a microwave waveguide, is described. One embodiment includes an integrated microwave waveguide comprising a waveguide block, a first waveguide section in the waveguide block, a second waveguide section in the waveguide block, a first impedance transition section integrated with the first waveguide section in the waveguide block, wherein the first impedance section comprises a first conduit with a first end and a second end, wherein the first conduit is tapered from the first end to the second end, and a second impedance transition section integrated with the second waveguide section in the waveguide block, wherein the second impedance section comprises a second conduit with a third end and a fourth end, wherein the second conduit is tapered from the third end to the fourth end, and wherein the second end of the first impedance transition section and the fourth end of the second impedance transition section are connected at an antenna stub.
US08536952B2
Provided is an oscillation device capable of obtaining a stable oscillation frequency by compensating for a change in oscillation frequency caused with an elapse of operating time of a quartz-crystal oscillator. A difference value ΔF between a frequency difference between first and second quartz-crystal oscillators after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a reference time and a frequency difference between the first and second quartz-crystal oscillators at the reference time is determined.
US08536951B2
A buffer is provided. The buffer includes a buffering stage that receives an enable signal and an input signal and that provides an output signal and a bandgap stage that is coupled to the buffering stage and that is activated and deactivated by the enable signal. In particular, the buffering stage includes a buffering substage that includes a buffering transistor that is coupled to the input stage, wherein the buffering transistor is formed on a substrate, and wherein the buffering transistor has a channel with a doping concentration that is approximately the same as the substrate.
US08536942B2
A power amplifier is provided. The power amplifier includes a loading circuit, a first stage amplifying circuit, an analog pre-distorter, a loading circuit and a second stage amplifying circuit. The first stage amplifying circuit is coupled to the loading circuit to receive a first signal and output a second signal accordingly. The analog pre-distorter is coupled to the first stage amplifying circuit to detect the envelope of the second signal and generates a third signal according to the envelope. The second stage amplifying circuit is coupled to the first stage amplifying circuit to receive the second signal. The loading circuit is biased on the third signal. The gain of the first stage amplifying circuit is related to the third signal.
US08536938B2
Output circuits using pulse width modulation (PWM) and/or pulse density modulation (PDM) are described. In one aspect, a PWM output circuit includes a PWM modulator that operates based on a square wave signal instead of a sawtooth or triangular wave signal. In another aspect, a PDM output circuit includes a PDM modulator that uses variable reference voltages to reduce variations in switching frequency. In yet another aspect, a dual-mode output circuit supports both PWM and PDM and includes a pulse modulator and a class D amplifier. The pulse modulator performs PWM on an input signal if a PWM mode is selected and performs PDM on the input signal if a PDM mode is selected. The class D amplifier receives a driver signal from the pulse modulator and generates an output signal.
US08536936B2
According to one embodiment, a power source controller has a first power source line supplied with a reference power source voltage, a second power source line connected to an internal circuit, a control circuit configured to control a connection between the first power source line and the second power source line, a control signal line connected to the control circuit, and configured to provide a control signal for controlling the connection, a transistor comprising a first terminal, a second terminal and a control terminal in the control circuit, the control terminal of the transistor being connected to the control signal line, a semiconductor substrate on which the transistor is formed, and first through third wires.
US08536930B2
A switching circuit according to one embodiment includes: a switching element that has a first terminal and a second terminal, and is driven by a pulse signal to switch a conduction state between the first and second terminals; a power source section that supplies a voltage to the first terminal; a load circuit that is connected in parallel with the power source section; a passive circuit section that is connected between a connection point between the power source section and the load circuit, and the first terminal, and suppresses a current flowing from the connection point to the switching element at a frequency N times (N is an integer of 1 or more) as high as a clock frequency of the pulse signal; and a resonant circuit section that is connected between the passive circuit section and the connection point, and resonates at the frequency of N times.
US08536925B2
A voltage translator circuit (320) includes an input stage (322) adapted for receiving an input signal referenced to a first voltage supply (VDD core), a latch (326) adapted for connection to a second voltage supply (VDD33) and operative to at least temporarily store a logic state of the input signal, and a voltage clamp (324) coupled between the input stage (322) and the latch (326). The voltage clamp (322) is operative to set a maximum voltage across the latch (326) to a first prescribed level and to set a maximum voltage across the input stage to a second prescribed level. The voltage translator circuit (320) generates a first output signal (II) at a junction between the latch (326) and the voltage clamp (324). The voltage translator circuit generates a second output signal (15) at a junction between the voltage clamp (324) and the input stage (322).
US08536918B2
Provided is a flip-flop circuit which a small-sized test circuit with hold free and can perform test in an actual operating frequency. A Pos-type F/F includes a master latch (Low level latch) that selectively receives data or scan test data in synchronization with a rising edge of a clock signal, and a slave latch (High level latch) that receives the data from the master latch. In a scan shift operation, the master latch captures scan data signal input SIN in a Low period of a scan shift clock signal SCLK1 and outputs the data to the slave latch. The slave latch captures the output of the master latch in a High period of a scan shift clock signal SCLK2 having a different edge position from the SCLK1 and outputs the data to Q.
US08536916B1
Systems and methods for generating a thermometer sigma delta encoded frequency control word for controlling a digitally controlled oscillator in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, an all digital phase locked loop for generating an output clock signal includes a thermometer pulse coder configured to generate a frequency control word (FCW) that includes thermometer coded signals and a pulse modulated dither signal, and transmit the pulse modulated dither signal over a selected FCW signal line and transmit the thermometer coded signals over other FCW signal lines, and a digitally controlled oscillator to receive a FCW comprising a combined thermometer and pulse modulated signal and generate an output clock signal.
US08536915B1
A delay-locked loop (DLL) circuit is disclosed that can generate an output oscillation signal having a frequency that is an integer multiple of an input oscillation signal. The DLL includes a phase detector, a charge pump, and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). The phase detector generates UP and DN control signals in response to a phase difference between a reference signal and a feedback signal. The charge pump generates a control voltage in response to the UP and DN control signals. The VCO adjusts the frequency of the output oscillation signal in response to the control voltage, generates the reference signal in response to the input oscillation signal, and generates the feedback signal in response to the output oscillation signal.
US08536914B2
Provided are a delay locked loop (DLL), which is capable of being adopted at a data processing system and include a duty correction circuit, and a duty correction method at the DLL. The duty correction method includes generating first and second delay clock signals having different phase shifts by delaying an external clock signal by as much as first and second set phases in response to a delay control signal, generating first and second first signals respectively synchronized with the first and second delay clock signals, and generating an output clock signal having a set duty ratio by using the first and second pulse signals. According to the foregoing, a more accurate duty correction operation is performed without a half cycle time delay line or a matching delay line.
US08536913B2
Output driver feedback circuitry limits output slew rates across a wide range of output loads. A transition time lock loop architecture of the feedback circuitry compares a transition time pulse with a reference pulse to adjusts transition time of an output signal for various process-voltage-temperature (PVT) process corners, output voltage domains and output capacitances. Reference pulse generation circuitry provides a reference pulse in phase with the transition time pulse for each rise and fall of the output signal.
US08536911B1
A PLL circuit includes a digital PLL circuit and an analog PLL circuit, wherein the digital PLL circuit includes a first digital phase detector configured to detect a first phase difference between a reference clock signal and a first feedback clock signal, and a phase accumulator configured to generate, as the first feedback clock signal, a digital oscillating signal having oscillating frequency that changes in response to the detected first phase difference, and wherein the analog PLL circuit includes a second digital phase detector configured to detect a second phase difference between the digital oscillating signal generated by the phase accumulator and a second feedback clock signal, and a voltage controlled oscillator configured to receive a voltage value changing in response to the detected second phase difference and to generate the second feedback clock signal that oscillates at frequency responsive to the voltage value.
US08536906B2
A high voltage waveform is generated that is similar to a low voltage input waveform. The high voltage waveform is a series of pulses that are applied directly to the device. An error signal controls the frequency, magnitude, and duration of the pulses. A feedback signal derived from the high voltage waveform is compared with the input waveform to produce the error signal.
US08536899B1
Embodiments of a calibration circuit for a current source which may include a first control switch, a second control switch, and a capacitor. In embodiments, the first control switch may be operable to couple the capacitor to the current source and the second control switch may be operable to couple the capacitor to a reference current source to enable the capacitor to be charged or discharged according to a first control signal provided to the first control switch and a second control signal provided to the second control switch. In embodiments, the calibration circuit may be included in a digital-to-analog (DAC) converter.
US08536895B2
An embodiment of an integrated circuit (IC) is described. This embodiment of the IC includes an interposer; a first die on an interposer, where the first die generates a global signal propagated through the interposer; and a second die on the surface of the interposer and coupled to the global signal. The first die and the second die each is configured to implement a same operating state concurrently in response to the global signal.
US08536892B2
An electronic test system to evaluate the pixel and array properties of active-matrix displays that use charge or current sensitive circuits attached to the array data lines is described. Leakage-current, charging time, and other metrics can be measured for all pixels in the array without electrical or optical connection to the interior of the array. Charge or current sensitive amplifiers and selected voltage drivers may be used in conjunction with variable timing and voltages to determine individual transistor properties over an entire array in just a few seconds. Signals to be measured may be injected in several ways. Ultimately, an output signal for each pixel is measured. Thus, based on the output signal, the charging time or current, the leakage time or current, and other pixel or transistor parameters may be characterized for the entire array.
US08536891B2
An inspection method for inspecting electric characteristics of devices formed on a target object using an apparatus including a vertical drive mechanism for lifting and lowering a movable mounting table and a control unit for controlling the vertical drive mechanism. The vertical drive mechanism includes an elevation shaft connected to the mounting table and a servo motor for driving the elevation shaft to lift and lower the mounting table. The control unit has a servo driver including a position control part for controlling a position of the motor, a torque control part for controlling a torque of the motor as a probe card is expanded or contracted by a change in temperature and a switching part for switching the position control part and the torque control part. The method includes heating or cooling the target object, controlling a position of the motor, and controlling a torque of the motor.
US08536887B2
A probe circuit is provided in an electronic device that includes a circuit which is under test and outputs a response signal corresponding to an input signal in synchronization with an operation clock. The probe circuit includes a sampling clock supplying section that outputs a sampling clock having a predetermined frequency, and a sampling section that outputs, outside the electronic device, a probe output signal of which frequency is lower than a frequency of the response signal and which corresponds to a sampling result obtained by sampling the response signal using the sampling clock. The response signal has a prescribed signal pattern repeated with a predetermined recurrence period, and the sampling clock supplying section outputs the sampling clock of which relative phase with respect to the signal pattern sequentially changes in each recurrence period.
US08536883B2
A method of measuring the permittivity and/or conductivity of a multiphase fluid flowing through a conduit is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring the signal from a first electromagnetic transmitter to a first electromagnetic receiver separated by a first distance, measuring the signal from the first electromagnetic transmitter to a second electromagnetic receiver separated by a second distance, measuring the signal from a second electromagnetic transmitter to the first electromagnetic receiver separated by a distance substantially equal to the second distance, measuring the signal from the second electromagnetic transmitter to the second electromagnetic receiver separated by a distance substantially equal to the first distance, and wherein the first and second distances are substantially different. This is followed by the step of combining the four signals to obtain a measurement of the phase-shift and amplitude-attenuation substantially independent of the gain values applied to the receivers and transmitters to provide an estimate of the mixture permittivity and/or conductivity of the multiphase fluid.
US08536878B2
A sensor system for measuring a clearance parameter between a stationary component and a rotating component of a rotating machine is provided. The system includes a clearance sensor to output a clearance measurement signal. A sensor memory is attached to the sensor for storing a first sensor information. A second sensor information is stored in a electronics interface memory. The first and the second sensor information are read and the clearance sensor is matched with a respective plurality of calibration data by an electronic interface based on the first and the second sensor information.
US08536874B1
A voltage sensing module for an integrated circuit (IC) that supports operation at a plurality of different voltage levels includes a voltage generation module that generates first and second voltages based on an operating voltage level of the IC. A comparing module receives the first and second voltages and generates a voltage determination signal based on the first and second signals. The voltage determination signal selectively configures an input/output I/O pad of the IC.
US08536869B2
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes; a gradient coil that applies a gradient magnetic field to a static magnetic field in which an examined subject is placed; a metal shim with which the gradient coil is provided and that corrects spatial nonuniformity of the static magnetic field; an executing unit that executes an imaging sequence; and a controlling unit that, before execution of the imaging sequence is started, raises the temperature of the metal shim up to a saturation temperature that is to be reached during the execution of the imaging sequence.
US08536868B2
In a method and apparatus for contiguous large imaging in magnetic resonance tomography given continuous table displacement and per-segment, para-sagittal and/or para-coronal FOV relative to the table displacement direction, a sagittal and/or coronal magnetic resonance tomography overview image is/are acquired with table displacement direction in the longitudinal direction of the body and planning FOV by circumscribing the anatomical region of interest depicted in the respective overview image, for example a vessel tree. The arrangement of 2D or 3D RF excitation volumes to be radiated is planned such that the planning FOV is completely overlapped sagitally and/or coronally by the entirety of the RF excitation volume. A segment-by-segment magnetic resonance tomographical measurement of the entire 2D or 3D region defined by the RF excitation volume ensues on the basis of temporally following, slice-selective radio-frequency excitation pulses during continuous table displacement. At least two of the 2D or 3D RF excitation volumes are shifted para-sagitally and/or para-coronally against one another, with the focal point of an RF excitation volume being on the center line of the planning FOV.
US08536867B2
An optimized processing of data of multiple local coils is enabled by a device and a method to evaluate signals received with coils of a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus, wherein first signals are generated by means of coils via magnetic fields coming from a body, wherein a region in the body is defined, wherein weighting factors are calculated with the use of the first signals, wherein second signals are generated with the coils from magnetic fields coming from a body, wherein signals weighted with the use of the weighting factors are calculated from the second signals, wherein the weighted signals are processed further.
US08536860B2
A method and apparatus in which at least two different test phases are performed on a test object, selected from: conventional eddy current testing, partial saturation eddy current testing, and ultrasonic testing. Measurement data sets are obtained from the at least two different test phases, with each measurement data set comprising measurement data corresponding to a plurality of test positions. The data sets are combined in a data processing means and the combined measurement data is processed to evaluate a damage condition of the test object. In a preferred embodiment, all of conventional eddy current testing, partial saturation eddy current testing, and ultrasonic testing are performed. The apparatus may be provided in two or more sub-assemblies, of which one may be an internal test tool and one may be an external tool. Alternatively, the apparatus may be capable of carrying out all three of the test phases.
US08536856B2
Apparatus and methods for detecting stray voltage anomalies in electric fields are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for detecting an electrical field may comprise: at least one sensor probe for generating data corresponding to an electrical field detected by the at least one sensor probe, wherein the at least one sensor probe comprises at least one electrode; a processor, coupled to the at least one sensor probe, for analyzing the data to identify a voltage anomaly in the electric field; and an indicator, coupled to the processor, for alerting a user to a presence of the voltage anomaly in the electric field.
US08536854B2
An electronic reference-signal generation system includes a supply invariant bandgap reference system that generates one or more bandgap reference signals that are substantially unaffected by bulk error currents. In at least one embodiment, the bandgap reference generates a substantially invariant bandgap reference signals for a range of direct current (DC) supply voltages. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the bandgap reference system provides substantially invariant bandgap reference signals when the supply voltage varies due to alternating current (AC) voltages. In at least one embodiment, the bandgap reference system generates a bandgap reference voltage VBG, a “proportional to absolute temperature” (PTAT) current (“iPTAT”) and a “zero dependency on absolute temperature” (ZTAT) current (“iZTAT”) that are substantially unaffected by variations in the supply voltage and unaffected by a bulk error current.
US08536843B2
This invention offers a power supply circuit that is capable of improving a power factor as well as reducing a ripple current of an input/output of the power supply circuit due to switching of a switching device. The power supply circuit is provided with a first power supply circuit including first and second switching devices, a second power supply circuit including third and fourth switching devices and a switching control circuit. The switching control circuit controls the switching devices so that the first switching device and the third switching device are turned on and off at timings different from each other when an alternating current voltage from an alternating current power supply is positive, and the second switching device and the fourth switching device are turned on and off at timings different from each other when the alternating current voltage is negative.
US08536838B2
A circuit protection device includes a plasma gun, at least one capacitor communicatively coupled to the plasma gun, and a monitoring circuit communicatively coupled to the at least one capacitor. The capacitor is configured to store electrical energy and to provide the electrical energy to the plasma gun. The monitoring circuit is configured to measure a charge property of the at least one capacitor, determine a charge status of the at least one capacitor based on the measured charge property, and output at least one signal indicative of the charge status.
US08536834B2
A mobile environment-controlled unit having a structure, a compartment supported by the structure, and an environmental-control system in environmental communication with the compartment. The environmental-control system is configured to control an environmental parameter of the compartment. The environmental-control system includes an internal combustion engine, having a starter, powering the environmental-control system; a battery powering the starter; and a controller. The controller monitors battery health status, predicts battery failure, and communicates the predicted battery failure. Also, described is a method of operating the mobile environment-controlled unit and a controller for controlling the mobile environment-controlled unit.
US08536833B2
A power supplying apparatus for supplying power to a plurality of loads has been needed. Therefore, a power supplying apparatus for supplying power to a plurality of loads, including: a rectifying circuit connected to each of the plurality of loads; an AC circuit to sequentially connect between the rectifying circuits; and an AC generating circuit to apply AC voltage to the AC circuit, in which the AC circuit includes a capacitor and an inductor connected in series is provided.
US08536825B2
A system and method for improving cycle lifetimes for a lithium-ion battery pack, particularly for adapting to a dynamic use profile for a user. A battery cell pack charging system, including a charger and a controller, for charging a lithium-ion battery cell pack, the battery cell pack charging system has a circuit for charging the battery cell pack using an adjustable charging system including an adjustable charge profile to charge the battery cell pack wherein the adjustable charge profile includes: an operational parameter identifying a next operation post-charge performance characteristic for the battery cell pack wherein a controller determines a next cycle plan for the battery cell pack that provides the performance characteristic while concurrently enhancing an attribute of the battery cell pack and wherein the attribute is measured over a plurality of applied cycles; and one or more charging stages to produce an energy ending point for the plan; wherein the adjustable charge plan is implemented by the charger in anticipation of a post-charging operation associated with the operational parameter.
US08536823B2
A driving method for driving a polyphase inverter includes: receiving a reference input that includes a fundamental frequency component, and a previously generated feedback signal; generating an error signal that corresponds to a difference between the reference input and the previously generated feedback signal; attenuating the error signal to the minimum; generating an optimum signal; quantizing the optimum signal; and generating driving signals that correspond to the quantized optimum signal. A driving device that implements the driving method is also disclosed.
US08536820B2
A modular electric socket assembly comprises a male plug unit electrically connected to a cover plate member having at least one electric socket, and a female plug unit retained in a wall and electrically connected to an electric supply system. Pins of the male plug unit are coupleable with corresponding cavities of the female plug unit. In one embodiment, the socket assembly is a strip assembly having a panel on which are printed a plurality of conductive elements, a cover plate member having at least two socket regions and attached to the panel, and a male plug unit interconnected with the panel. The conductive elements are arranged so as to connect in electrically conductable alignment a user device coupled to a selected socket region, each contact of the panel associated with the selected socket region, conductors associated with the male plug unit, and conductors associated with the female plug unit.
US08536815B2
A method for operating a controller includes receiving a first accumulated thermal value of an electrical machine and an associated first time stamp from a memory, initializing a processor of the controller with the first accumulated thermal value and the associated first time stamp, determining whether a second time stamp has been received, calculating a difference between the second time stamp and the first time stamp responsive to determining that the second time stamp has been received, calculating a second accumulated thermal value as a function of the first accumulated thermal value, the first time stamp, and the second time stamp, and updating the first accumulated thermal value with the second accumulated thermal value.
US08536814B2
The maximum electrical power drawn from an electrical power source by a mining excavator comprising electric motors is reduced by supplying supplementary electrical power from an electrical energy storage unit. The input electrical power drawn by the mining excavator is cyclic. An upper limit is set for the electrical power drawn from the electrical power source. When the input electrical power drawn by the mining excavator exceeds the upper limit, electrical power is supplied by the electrical energy storage unit, such as an ultracapacitor bank. The ultracapacitor bank may be charged by the electrical power source during off-peak intervals. Electrical power generated by electrical motors operating in a regeneration interval may also be recaptured and stored in the electrical energy storage unit.
US08536802B2
In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.
US08536795B2
This control device, for a representative lamp L1, by way of a power control circuit 20, detects the cathode current Ik from a resistor TRk1, and controls a high-voltage stabilizing circuit 10, and performs drive control so that the gate voltages, which were divided from the output voltage Vgo from the high-voltage stabilizing circuit 10, become suitable voltages. Moreover, the control device, for other lamps L2, . . . , Ln, by way of the power control circuit 20, changes the voltage dividing ratio of impedance dividing by resistors R2—1, R2—2, . . . , Rn—1, Rn—2 for the output voltage Vgo using control elements Q2, . . . , Qn, and performs control so that the cathode current of each of the lamps L2, . . . , Ln becomes the same as the cathode current of the representative lamp L1.
US08536794B2
A system and method map dimming levels of a lighting dimmer to light source control signals using a predetermined lighting output function. The dimmer generates a dimmer output signal value. At any particular period of time, the dimmer output signal value represents one of multiple dimming levels. In at least one embodiment, the lighting output function maps the dimmer output signal value to a dimming value different than the dimming level represented by the dimmer output signal value. The lighting output function converts a dimmer output signal values corresponding to measured light levels to perception based light levels. A light source driver operates a light source in accordance with the predetermined lighting output function. The system and method can include a filter to modify at least a set of the dimmer output signal values prior to mapping the dimmer output signal values to a new dimming level.
US08536793B2
A process for controlling a current supplied to a load includes, in at least one aspect, detecting input to control a current supplied to a load operated by a driving signal, and in response to detecting the input, modifying the driving signal to control the current supplied to the load, wherein modifying the driving signal comprises alternately applying a first duty cycle and a second duty cycle to the driving signal.
US08536790B2
When a current which is conducted from a direct current power supply 8 to a choke coil L1 after a switching transistor 7 is turned on has a predetermined value, an LED lighting device. lights up an LED series circuit by conducting a pulse-shaped current which occurs by turning off the switching transistor 7 to the LED series circuit. A cycle period at which the pulse-shaped current is generated is determined according to the average value of the current flowing through the LED series circuit by using an oscillator (VCO) 4. The LED lighting device controls each of the pulse-shaped current value and the average current value arbitrarily.
US08536784B2
The inventors have anticipated that there is no problem in employing electron gun deposition as a method of forming a metallic layer on an EL layer of an active matrix light-emitting device because the TFT of the active matrix light-emitting device is disposed below the EL layer. However, since the TFT is extremely sensitive to ionized evaporated particles, the secondary electron, the reflecting electron, and so on generated by the electron gun, while little damage is observed on the EL layer, significant damage is found on the TFT when electron gun deposition is employed. The invention provides an active matrix light-emitting device having superior TFT characteristics (ON current, OFF to current, Vth, S-value, and so on), in which an organic compound layer and a metallic layer (cathode or anode) are formed by means of resistive heating having least influence to the TFT.
US08536783B2
The invention relates to an electroluminescent device (10) comprising a substrate and on top of the substrate a substrate electrode, a counter electrode and an electroluminescent layer stack with at least one organic electroluminescent layer (50) arranged between the substrate electrode (20) and the counter electrode (30), and an encapsulation means (90) encapsulating at least the electroluminescent layer stack, the electroluminescent device (10) comprises at least one contact means (60), for electrically contacting the counter electrode (30) to an electrical source.The invention discloses that at least one protective means (70) is arranged on the substrate electrode (20), wherein the protective means (70) is electrically non-conductive and is at least fully covering the area below the contact means (60).
US08536781B2
The present invention relates to a black organic light-emitting diode that implements a resonant absorbing configuration, the black organic light-emitting diode comprising: a glass substrate; a first metal layer formed on the glass substrate; a first electrode formed on the first metal layer; an organic light-emitting layer formed on the first electrode; a second electrode formed on the organic light-emitting layer, opposite the first electrode; a first interlayer formed on the second electrode; a second metal layer formed on the first interlayer; and a second interlayer formed on the second metal layer, wherein by controlling the thickness of the first interlayer and the second interlayer, external light reflected by the first metal layer and the second electrode destructively interferes with light reflected by the second metal layer.
US08536772B2
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) tile device for illumination includes: a rear surface cover having a plurality of conductive rear surface cover magnets which are electrically connected to an anode layer and a cathode layer of an OLED tile for illumination and pass a current to the OLED tile, and coupled to a rear surface of the OLED tile; and a front surface cover having a plurality of front surface cover magnets and integrally coupled to the rear surface cover and the OLED tile for illumination.
US08536767B2
An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix and a carbon nanotube film structure. The carbon nanotube film structure is located on a surface of the flexible polymer matrix, and at least partly embedded into the flexible polymer matrix through the first surface. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes combined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween.
US08536761B2
A piezoelectric resonator includes: a piezoelectric plate having a vibrating portion surrounded by a peripheral portion; and an excitation electrode on the piezoelectric plate, wherein long sides of the vibrating portion and excitation electrode are parallel to a piezoelectric plate long side. Assuming a piezoelectric plate long side length X, a vibrating portion thickness t, a vibrating portion long side length Mx, an excitation electrode long side length Ex, and a piezoelectric plate flexure vibration wavelength λ, λ/2=(1.332/f)−0.0024 (piezoelectric resonator resonance frequency f), (Mx−Ex)/2=λ/2, Mx/2={(A/2)+(1/4)}λ (where, A is a positive integer), and X≧20t. A protruding portion is disposed on a vibrating portion extension line and parallel to a vibrating portion short side. Assuming a protruding portion length Dx, Dx=(λ/2)×m (where, m is a positive integer). Assuming a distance Sx between the vibrating and protruding portions, Sx=(λ/2)×n±0.1λ (where, n is a positive integer).
US08536755B2
According to one embodiment, there is provided a 3-phase 2-pole 2-layer armature winding, housed in 72 slots provided in a laminated iron core, a winding of each phase including six parallel circuits separated into two phase belts. Upper coil pieces of first and fourth parallel circuits are placed at 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 12th positions, and lower coil pieces of the first and fourth parallel circuits are placed at 1st, 6th, 9th, and 10th positions, upper and lower coil pieces of second and fifth parallel circuits are placed at 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th positions, and upper coil pieces of third and six parallel circuits are placed at 1st, 6th, 9th, and 10th positions, and lower coil pieces of the third and six parallel circuits are placed at 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 12th positions, from the center of a pole.
US08536754B2
An electrical machine comprising a stator (1) and a rotor (2) movable relative to the stator is provided. The stator (1) comprises a doubled number of notches (3) with respect to a pole pair number p of the rotor. This is combined with differing numbers (n1, n2) of turns per phase winding or with differing tooth widths (Z1, Z2) of teeth (6, 7) of the stator which are formed between neighboring notches (3).
US08536753B2
An arrangement to set up and to ensure an air gap in an electrical machine, like a generator, is provided. The electrical machine includes a stator arrangement and a rotor arrangement. The rotor-arrangement rotates around a longitudinal axis. At least parts of the rotor arrangement interact with parts of the stator arrangement to generate electrical power. An air gap is defined by the distance between the parts of the rotor arrangement and the parts of the stator arrangement. The parts of the stator arrangement are opposite to the parts of the rotor arrangement along a certain length. The cross-section of the air gap changes along the certain length, so that the air gap is not uniform in view to the referred certain length.
US08536752B2
A permanent magnet generator comprises a stator core, a plurality of windings situated on the stator core, and a plurality of stress elements. The stress elements apply or relieve mechanical stress in response to control signals from a generator controller, thereby increasing or reducing voltage across the stator windings.
US08536751B2
An electromagnetic device has a stator and a rotor rotating between facing surfaces of the stator and bearing a plurality of magnets distributed at regular intervals along its periphery. The magnets are so arranged that they form a sequence of alternately opposite poles on the surfaces of the rotor directed towards the stator, and the stator comprises two sets of independently supported magnetic yokes located at both sides of the rotor in front of the magnets. The magnetic yokes have two axially oriented arms, the end surfaces of which, in static conditions of the rotor, at least partly face a pair of successive magnets on a same surface of the rotor.
US08536747B1
A three phase brushless direct current multi-stage motor, that is of the pancake type. The direct current multi-stage motor comprises a continuous and additive magnetic flux field loop with a plurality of flux paths that flow across the vertically wound stators sandwiched between the rotors. The rotors are embedded with a plurality of permanent magnets which are alternately spaced near the outer radius.
US08536744B2
According to one embodiment, a traction motor includes a stator core, a rotor core, a first bearing, a second bearing, a rotor shaft, a first ventilation passage made at an outer circumference portion of the stator core, a first fan, and a second ventilation passage to introduce external air. And, in the motor, a first minute gap is provided between an end portion of a first fan main plate and an inner circumference portion of the first bracket, cooling wind is discharged to the motor outside via the second ventilation passage, an outer circumference portion of the first fan, a ventilation portion in the first bracket and the first ventilation passage, and the second ventilation passage is made so that the cooling wind entered from the first air intake port flows around the rotor shaft portion between the first ventilation fan and the first bearing.
US08536742B2
A stator core unit of a linear synchronous motor is divided into a plurality of divided cores. The divided cores each include a pair of connected portions. The pairs of connected portions are disposed along a first direct drive shaft and a second direct drive shaft to form a pair of connected portion arrays. A yoke is constituted from a pair of yoke elements which are formed of a magnetic conductive material and magnetically connect the connected portions of the pair of connected portion arrays. A first array of permanent magnets and a second array of permanent magnets are disposed to be shifted from each other by an electrical angle of 180°. A first array of windings and a second array of windings are excited with the first and second arrays of windings being shifted by an electrical angle of 180°.
US08536720B2
A wind energy apparatus is made up of a plurality of modular wind energy devices or units. Each unit has a housing and at least two turbines mounted on the housing. Each of the turbines has a blade set extending upward from the housing. Each blade set has a vertical axis extending upward in relation to the housing. Each of the turbines has a generator connected thereto, each generator being disposed in the housing, and having a rotor and a stator. Each turbine is rotatably mounted with respect to the housing, and mounted to the rotor so that they rotate together. Each housing has a positive connector and negative connector on each side of the respective unit. The units, when placed together, connect their respective poles, positive and negative, together completing a circuit. Therefore, one may connect multiple units together.
US08536718B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a substrate with a material layer including grooves in a fillet region that are substantially parallel and adjacent an integrated circuit; and forming a resin between the substrate and the integrated circuit that contacts a trench trace exposed by the grooves.
US08536713B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide a programmable system in package (“PSiP”). The PSiP includes a single IC housing, a substrate and several IC's that are arranged within the single IC housing. At least one of the IC's is a configurable IC. In some embodiments, the configurable IC is a reconfigurable IC that can reconfigure more than once during run time. In some of these embodiments, the reconfigurable IC can be reconfigured at a first clock rate that is faster (i.e., larger) than the clock rates of one or more of the other IC's in the PSiP. The first clock rate is faster than the clock rate of all of the other IC's in the PSiP in some embodiments.
US08536705B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit system includes: providing a substrate including an active device; forming a through-silicon-via into the substrate; forming an insulation layer over the through-silicon-via to protect the through-silicon-via; forming a contact to the active device after forming the insulation layer; and removing the insulation layer.
US08536703B2
A semiconductor device and an electronic system are provided. The semiconductor device includes a lower conductive pattern, and an intermediate conductive pattern on the lower conductive pattern. An upper conductive pattern is provided on the intermediate conductive pattern and is electrically connected to the intermediate conductive pattern. The intermediate conductive pattern includes a first portion and a second portion that extends from a part of the first portion and that is disposed at a higher level from the lower conductive pattern than the first portion. The upper conductive pattern is disposed on the first portion of the intermediate conductive pattern and has a top surface that is disposed at a higher level from the lower conductive pattern than the second portion of the intermediate conductive pattern.
US08536700B2
An electronic package includes a first layer having a first surface, the first layer includes a first device having a first electrical node, and a first contact pad in electrical communication with the first electrical node and positioned within the first surface. The package includes a second layer having a second surface and a third surface, the second layer includes a first conductor positioned within the second surface and a second contact pad positioned within the third surface and in electrical communication with the first conductor. A first anisotropic conducting paste (ACP) is positioned between the first contact pad and the first conductor to electrically connect the first contact pad to the first conductor such that an electrical signal may pass therebetween.
US08536694B2
A semiconductor device having a structure that can reduce stress due to difference in coefficients of thermal expansion and prevent or suppress generation of cracks, and a semiconductor device manufacturing method, are provided. The semiconductor device includes a single crystal silicon substrate having a main face on which semiconductor elements are formed and a side face intersecting with the main face, and a sealing resin provided covering at least a portion of the side face. The side face covered by the sealing resin is equipped with a first face with a plane direction forming an angle of −5° to +5° to the plane direction of the main face.
US08536681B2
A MOS integrated circuit including an N-type silicide MOS transistor, an N-type non-silicide MOS transistor simultaneously formed with the N-type silicide MOS transistor, and an isolation film having an N conductivity type impurity formed on the N-type non-silicide MOS transistor.
US08536680B2
An electrostatic discharge protection circuit has a bipolar transistor which includes a first diffusion layer of a first conductive type connected with a first power supply and functioning as a base; a second diffusion layer of a second conductive type connected with a second power supply and functioning as a collector; and a third diffusion layer of the second conductive type connected with an input/output pad and functioning as an emitter. An area of a first region of the third diffusion layer which is opposite to the first diffusion layer is larger than an area of a second region of the second diffusion layer which is opposite to the first diffusion layer.
US08536670B2
A semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor chip; and a second semiconductor chip that is stacked on the first semiconductor chip. The first semiconductor chip includes a first wiring portion of which a side surface is exposed at a side portion of the first semiconductor chip. The second semiconductor chip includes a second wiring portion of which a side surface is exposed at a side portion of the second semiconductor chip. The respective side surfaces of the first wiring portion and the second wiring portion, which are exposed at the side portions of the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip, are covered by a conductive layer, and the first wiring portion and the second wiring portion are electrically connected to each other through the conductive layer.
US08536666B2
An integrated circuit containing a capacitive microphone with a back side cavity located within the substrate of the integrated circuit. Access holes may be formed through a dielectric support layer at the surface of the substrate to provide access for etchants to the substrate to form the back side cavity. The back side cavity may be etched after a fixed plate and permeable membrane of the capacitive microphone are formed by providing etchants through the permeable membrane and through the access holes to the substrate.
US08536664B1
A MEMS device can include an actuator, a base formed from a substrate, and a plurality of memory cells integrated with the base. At least a portion of the base can be configured to move in response to the actuator. A miniature camera can include a base comprising a frame, a stage, and a plurality of flexures configured to connect the stage with the frame. The flexures can be adapted to bend to permit the stage to move relative to the frame. The camera can include a plurality of memory cells integrated with the base, a lens mount secured to the stage, a lens barrel secured to the lens mount, an image sensor, and an actuator adapted to move the stage relative to the frame and the image sensor.
US08536660B2
A semiconductor structure includes a first MOS device including a first gate, and a second MOS device including a second gate. The first gate includes a first high-k dielectric over a semiconductor substrate; a second high-k dielectric over the first high-k dielectric; a first metal layer over the second high-k dielectric, wherein the first metal layer dominates a work-function of the first MOS device; and a second metal layer over the first metal layer. The second gate includes a third high-k dielectric over the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first and the third high-k dielectrics are formed of same materials, and have substantially a same thickness; a third metal layer over the third high-k dielectric, wherein the third metal layer and the second metal layer are formed of same materials, and have substantially a same thickness; and a fourth metal layer over the third metal layer.
US08536656B2
A semiconductor structure is provided that includes a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of gate stacks located on a surface of the semiconductor substrate. Each gate stack includes, from bottom to top, a high k gate dielectric layer, a work function metal layer and a conductive metal. A spacer is located on sidewalls of each gate stack and a self-aligned dielectric liner is present on an upper surface of each spacer. A bottom surface of each self-aligned dielectric liner is present on an upper surface of a semiconductor metal alloy. A contact metal is located between neighboring gate stacks and is separated from each gate stack by the self-aligned dielectric liner. The structure also includes another contact metal having a portion that is located on and in direct contact with an upper surface of the contact metal and another portion that is located on and in direct contact with the conductive metal of one of the gate stacks. Methods of forming the semiconductor structure using a replacement gate and a non-replacement gate scheme are also disclosed.
US08536654B2
A CMOS device having an NMOS transistor with a metal gate electrode comprising a mid-gap metal with a low work function/high oxygen affinity cap and a PMOS transistor with a metal gate electrode comprising a mid gap metal with a high work function/low oxygen affinity cap and method of forming.
US08536653B2
A metal oxide semiconductor transistor includes a substrate including a first well, a second well, and an insulation between the first well and the second well, a first gate structure disposed on the first well, a second gate structure disposed on the second well, four first dopant regions disposed in the substrate at two sides of the first gate structure, and in the substrate at two sides of the second gate structure respectively, two second dopant regions disposed in the substrate at two sides of the first gate structure respectively, two first epitaxial layers disposed in the substrate at two sides of the first gate structure respectively and two first source/drain regions disposed in the substrate at two sides of the first gate structure respectively, wherein each of the first source/drain regions overlaps with one of the first epitaxial layers and one of the second dopant regions simultaneously.
US08536643B2
A semiconductor device includes a gate electrode GE electrically connected to a gate portion which is made of a polysilicon film provided in the inside of a plurality of grooves formed in a striped form along the direction of T of a chip region CA wherein the gate electrode GE is formed as a film at the same layer level as a source electrode SE electrically connected to a source region formed between adjacent stripe-shaped grooves and the gate electrode GE is constituted of a gate electrode portion G1 formed along a periphery of the chip region CA and a gate finger portion G2 arranged so that the chip region CA is divided into halves along the direction of X. The source electrode SE is constituted of an upper portion and a lower portion, both relative to the gate finger portion G2, and the gate electrode GE and the source electrode SE are connected to a lead frame via a bump electrode.
US08536641B1
A semiconductor device includes a substrate comprising a semiconductor material. The substrate has a surface that defines a surface normal direction and includes a P-N junction comprising an interface between a first region and a second region, where the first (second) region includes a first (second) dopant type, so as to have a first (second) conductivity type. The substrate includes a termination extension region disposed adjacent to the P-N junction and having an effective concentration of the second dopant type that is generally the effective concentration of the second dopant type in the second doped region. The substrate includes an adjust region disposed adjacent to the surface and between the surface and at least part of the termination extension region, where the effective concentration of the second dopant type generally decreases when moving from the termination extension region into the adjust region along the surface normal direction.
US08536640B2
A nonvolatile charge trap memory device with deuterium passivation of charge traps and method of manufacture. Deuterated gate layer, deuterated gate cap layer and deuterated spacers are employed in various combinations to encapsulate the device with deuterium sources proximate to the interfaces within the gate stack and on the surface of the gate stack where traps may be present.
US08536634B2
Method and device embodiments are described for fabricating MOSFET transistors in a semiconductor also containing non-volatile floating gate transistors. MOSFET transistor gate dielectric smiling, or bird's beaks, are adjustable by re-oxidation processing. An additional re-oxidation process is performed by opening a poly-silicon layer prior to forming an inter-poly oxide dielectric provided for the floating gate transistors.
US08536629B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes: forming an insulating film containing silicon, oxygen and carbon on at least one of a first substrate and a second substrate; and bonding the first substrate and the second substrate together, with the insulating film interposed therebetween. There can be provided a method capable of manufacturing a semiconductor device having high element density, high performance and high reliability, with high yield.
US08536621B2
Quantum-well-based semiconductor devices and methods of forming quantum-well-based semiconductor devices are described. A method includes providing a hetero-structure disposed above a substrate and including a quantum-well channel region. The method also includes forming a source and drain material region above the quantum-well channel region. The method also includes forming a trench in the source and drain material region to provide a source region separated from a drain region. The method also includes forming a gate dielectric layer in the trench, between the source and drain regions; and forming a gate electrode in the trench, above the gate dielectric layer.
US08536617B2
A thyristor device includes a semiconductor body and a conductive anode. The semiconductor body has a plurality of doped layers forming a plurality of dopant junctions and includes an optical thyristor, a first amplifying thyristor, and a switching thyristor. The conductive anode is disposed on a first side of the semiconductor body. The optical thyristor is configured to receive incident radiation to generate a first electric current, and the first amplifying thyristor is configured to increase the first electric current from the optical thyristor to at least a threshold current. The switching thyristor switches to the conducting state in order to conduct a second electric current from the anode and through the semiconductor body.
US08536614B2
A nitride semiconductor light emitting device including an n-type nitride semiconductor layer, a p-type nitride semiconductor layer, a light emitting semiconductor layer, a first metal pad, a second metal pad, and a first magnetic material layer is provided. The light emitting semiconductor layer is disposed between the n-type nitride semiconductor layer and the p-type nitride semiconductor layer. The first metal pad is electrically connected to the n-type nitride semiconductor layer. The second metal pad is electrically connected to the p-type nitride semiconductor layer. The first magnetic material layer is disposed between the first metal pad and the n-type nitride semiconductor layer. A distribution area of the first magnetic material layer parallel to a (0001) plane of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer is greater than or equal to an area of the first metal pad parallel to the (0001) plane.
US08536613B2
A heterostructure contains an IC and an LED. An IC and an LED are initially provided. The IC has at least one first electric-conduction block and at least one first connection block. The IC electrically connects with the first electric-conduction block. The first face of the LED has at least one second electric-conduction block and at least one second connection block. The LED electrically connects to the second electric-conduction block. Subsequently, the first electric-conduction block and the first connection block are respectively joined to the second electric-conduction block and the second connection block. The first electric-conduction block is electrically connected with the second electric-conduction block and forms a heterostructure. The system simultaneously provides functions of heat radiation and electric communication for the IC and LED resulting in a high-density, multifunctional heterostructure.
US08536611B2
An organic light-emitting display device is provided that has prolonged service life, lowered wiring resistance that can lower power consumption, and that is easy to manufacture. In a first embodiment, a moisture capturing layer is provided between an upper electrode and a lower electrode. A second embodiment includes a metal substrate, an organic light-emitting element on the substrate and an upper transparent electrode connected to the substrate through a contact hole. In a third embodiment, a method is provided for forming a first organic compound including a light-emitting layer, heating the first organic compound in vacuo, and forming a second organic compound.
US08536599B2
A semiconductor light emitting device has a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer on the first conductive semiconductor layer and a second conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer. An oxide layer is disposed around the first semiconductor layer and is provided between the substrate and active layer. The first semiconductor layer has an uneven pattern along the side edge.
US08536589B2
A display device includes an array of light emitting cells. Each light emitting cell includes first and second electrodes, and an organic light emitting layer located between the first and second electrodes. Banks are above the first electrode that partition the organic light emitting layer to define each of the light emitting cells. First and second light emitting cells are adjacent to one another and located in a peripheral region of the array. The first light emitting cell is closer to a center of the array than the second light emitting cell. A first bank borders the first light emitting cell and the second light emitting cell. An inclination angle of an innermost sidewall of the first bank that is adjacent the first light emitting cell is greater than an inclination angle of an outermost sidewall of the first bank that is adjacent the second light emitting cell.
US08536587B2
A method, structure, system of aligning a substrate to a photomask. The method includes: directing incident light through a pattern of clear regions transparent to the incident light in an opaque-to-the-incident-light region of a photomask, through a lens and onto a photodiode formed in a substrate, the photodiodes electrically connected to a light emitting diode formed in the substrate, the light emitting diode emitting light of different wavelength than a wavelength of the incident lights; measuring an intensity of emitted light from light emitting diode; and adjusting alignment of the photomask to the substrate based on the measured intensity of emitted light.
US08536586B2
Disclosed is an LED package. The LED package includes a package body, a first frame and a second frame on the package body and a light emitting device chip on the first frame. The first frame is separated from the second frame, and the first frame includes a bottom frame on the package body and at least two sidewall frames extending from the bottom frame and inclined with respect to the bottom frame.
US08536582B2
A silicon carbide-based power device includes a silicon carbide drift layer having a planar surface that forms an off-axis angle with a <0001> direction of less than 8°.
US08536577B2
The present invention provides an active matrix type display device having a high aperture ratio and a required auxiliary capacitor. A source line and a gate line are overlapped with part of a pixel electrode. This overlapped region functions to be a black matrix. Further, an electrode pattern made of the same material as the pixel electrode is disposed to form the auxiliary capacitor by utilizing the pixel electrode. It allows a required value of auxiliary capacitor to be obtained without dropping the aperture ratio. Also, it allows the electrode pattern to function as a electrically shielding film for suppressing the cross-talk between the source and gate lines and the pixel electrode.
US08536575B2
A pixel structure of a display panel includes a substrate, a thin film transistor (TFT), a first transparent connecting pad, a passivation layer and a transparent pixel electrode. The TFT disposed on the substrate includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The gate insulating layer is disposed on the gate electrode, the semiconductor layer is disposed on the gate insulating layer, and the source electrode and the drain electrode are disposed on the semiconductor layer. The first transparent connecting pad disposed on the drain electrode partially overlaps and is electrically connected to the drain electrode. The passivation layer disposed on the first transparent connecting pad includes at least a contact hole. Furthermore, the transparent pixel electrode disposed on the passivation layer is electrically connected to the first transparent connecting pad through the contact hole of the passivation layer.
US08536573B2
A system and method for plating a contact connected to a test pad is provided. An embodiment comprises inserting a blocking material into vias between the contact and the test pad. In another embodiment a blocking structure may be inserted between the contact and the test pad. In yet another embodiment a blocking layer may be inserted into a contact stack. Once the blocking material, the blocking structure, or the blocking layer have been formed, the contact may be plated, with the blocking material, the blocking structure, or the blocking layer reducing or preventing degradation of the test pad due to galvanic effects.
US08536572B2
The present invention relates generally to assembly techniques. According to the present invention, the alignment and probing techniques to improve the accuracy of component placement in assembly are described. More particularly, the invention includes methods and structures to detect and improve the component placement accuracy on a target platform by incorporating alignment marks on component and reference marks on target platform under various probing techniques. A set of sensors grouped in any array to form a multiple-sensor probe can detect the deviation of displaced components in assembly.
US08536570B2
Provided are a composition for an oxide semiconductor, a preparation method of the composition, a method for forming an oxide semiconductor thin film using the composition, and a method for forming an electronic device using the composition. The composition for an oxide semiconductor includes a compound for an oxide thin film and a stabilizer for adjusting conductivity of the oxide thin film. The stabilizer is included with the mole number of two to twelve times larger than the total mole number of the compound.
US08536566B2
Apparatus and methods enable active compensation for unwanted discrepancies in the superconducting elements of quantum processor. A qubit may include a primary compound Josephson junction (CJJ) structure, which may include at least a first secondary CJJ structure to enable compensation for Josephson junction asymmetry in the primary CJJ structure. A qubit may include a series LC-circuit coupled in parallel with a first CJJ structure to provide a tunable capacitance. A qubit control system may include means for tuning inductance of a qubit loop, for instance a tunable coupler inductively coupled to the qubit loop and controlled by a programming interface, or a CJJ structure coupled in series with the qubit loop and controlled by a programming interface.
US08536564B1
An integrated field emission array for ion desorption includes an electrically conductive substrate; a dielectric layer lying over the electrically conductive substrate comprising a plurality of laterally separated cavities extending through the dielectric layer; a like plurality of conically-shaped emitter tips on posts, each emitter tip/post disposed concentrically within a laterally separated cavity and electrically contacting the substrate; and a gate electrode structure lying over the dielectric layer, including a like plurality of circular gate apertures, each gate aperture disposed concentrically above an emitter tip/post to provide a like plurality of annular gate electrodes and wherein the lower edge of each annular gate electrode proximate the like emitter tip/post is rounded. Also disclosed herein are methods for fabricating an integrated field emission array.
US08536562B2
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory structures. An electrically insulative line is formed over a base. Electrode material is deposited over the line and patterned to form a pair of bottom electrodes along the sidewalls of the line. Programmable material is formed over the bottom electrodes, and a top electrode is formed over the programmable material. The bottom electrodes may each contain at least one segment which extends at angle of from greater than 0° to less than or equal to about 90° relative to a planar topography of the base. Some embodiments include memory structures having a bottom electrode extending upwardly from a conductive contact to a programmable material, with the bottom electrode having a thickness of less than or equal to about 10 nanometers. Some embodiments include memory arrays and methods of forming memory arrays.
US08536561B2
Some embodiments include memory cells. The memory cells may have a first electrode, and a trench-shaped programmable material structure over the first electrode. The trench-shape defines an opening. The programmable material may be configured to reversibly retain a conductive bridge. The memory cell may have an ion source material directly against the programmable material, and may have a second electrode within the opening defined by the trench-shaped programmable material. Some embodiments include arrays of memory cells. The arrays may have first electrically conductive lines, and trench-shaped programmable material structures over the first lines. The trench-shaped structures may define openings within them. Ion source material may be directly against the programmable material, and second electrically conductive lines may be over the ion source material and within the openings defined by the trench-shaped structures.
US08536558B1
Resistive random-access memory (RRAM) structures are formed with ultra-thin RRAM-functional layers, thereby improving memory margins. Embodiments include forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) over a bottom electrode, forming a sacrificial layer over the ILD, removing a portion of the ILD and a portion of the sacrificial layer vertically contiguous with the portion of the ILD, forming a cell area, forming a metal layer within the cell area, forming an interlayer dielectric structure above or surrounded by and protruding above the metal layer, a top surface of the interlayer dielectric structure being coplanar with a top surface of the sacrificial layer, removing the sacrificial layer, forming a memory layer on the ILD and/or on side surfaces of the interlayer dielectric structure, and forming a dielectric layer surrounding at least a portion of the interlayer dielectric structure.
US08536555B2
A method to form a voltage sensitive resistor (VSR) read only memory (ROM) device on a semiconductor substrate having a semiconductor device including depositing by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) a titanium nitride layer having residual titanium-carbon bonding such that the VSR is resistive as formed and can become less resistive by at least an order of 102 when a predetermined voltage and current are applied to the VSR; and applying a predetermined voltage and current so as to make the CVD titanium nitride less resistive by at least an order of 102.
US08536535B2
In a radiation image capturing system, prior to radiation image capturing operation, the radiation image capturing apparatus repeats on an alternate basis, a step of reading leak data and a step of resetting each of the radiation detection elements, wherein the step of reading leak data is performed by turning off all switch units, allowing a reading circuit to perform cyclic reading operations under this condition and converting electric charge leaking out of radiation detection elements through the switch units into the leak data, thereby detecting a start of irradiation based on the leak data having been read out. The image processing apparatus analyzes a profile of image data along the extension of signal lines of the radiation image capturing apparatus, and identifies a range of the image data where a defect has occurred, whereby the image data in the identified range is corrected.
US08536517B2
Methods and related systems are described for the detection of nuclear radiation. The system can include a tool body adapted to be deployed in a wellbore and a scintillator material that intrinsically generates radiation. The scintillator material is mounted within the tool body. A photodetection system is coupled to the scintillator material, and mounted within the tool body. Features in a spectrum associated with a scintillation material's intrinsic radioactive decay are used for the determination of one or more parameter's of the response function of the radiation detector system.
US08536511B2
A light sensing device has a first filter to block visible light in a light path. The light sensing device also has a first color sensor and a clear sensor, to detect light in the light path after the first filter. A light intensity calculator computes a measure of the intensity of visible light in the light path, based on a difference between (a) an output signal of the first color sensor, and (b) an output signal of the clear sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08536509B2
The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for scanning a scanning area (16, 36) comprising a scanner (10, 30, 42, 54) that generates a scanning field (12) which is defined between two legs spaced from each other by a scanning angle (A), and which scanner is adapted to control at least one blocking means (18, 38, 50) for a passageway (32, 56), said passageway (32, 56) being delimited at least in its horizontal extension. The invention is characterized in that a scanner (10, 30, 42, 54) is mounted at a distance, as viewed in the passage direction (14), from the passageway (32, 56) and thus also from the controlled blocking means (18, 38, 50), and that the scanning field (12) is directed towards the passageway and extends through the passageway (32, 56).
US08536507B2
Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity and to detect light. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation and a detector of electromagnetic radiation; the detector has a sensor to detect electromagnetic radiation from the emitter when sensing proximity, and to detect electromagnetic radiation from a source other than the emitter when sensing visible light. The emitter may be disabled at least temporarily to allow the detector to detect electromagnetic radiation from a source other than the emitter, such as ambient light. In one implementation, the ambient light is measured by measuring infrared wavelengths. Also, a fence having a non-IR transmissive material disposed between the emitter and the detector to remove electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.
US08536505B2
A lighting system including fixture lamps, e.g., ceiling mounted, and movable light sources, e.g., task lamps. The task lamps include illuminance sensors arranged to detect ambient light including light emitted by one or more fixture lamps and available daylight. Control data is generated based at least in part on the illuminance data. The resulting control data is transmitted from the task lamp to a fixture lamp and a window system so that it can be used to control the amount of light emitted by the fixture lamp and amount of daylight transmitted through the window system. This arrangement allows daylight harvesting while ensuring that the amount of light provided to workspaces (at which task lamps are located) is satisfactory.
US08536502B2
A vehicle for launching from a gas gun having a housing; preferably incorporating a precessional attitude control system; and utilizing a flared base, fins, or active use of the attitude control system during passage through the atmosphere. Subtly canting the fins can produce desired spinning of the vehicle. The propulsion system can employ liquid, hybrid, or solid fuel. A removable aero-shell assists atmospheric flight with thermal protection being provided by anticipated ablation, an ablative aero-spike, or transpirational cooling. And a releasable sabot enhances the effectiveness of the launch.
US08536501B2
The present invention provides a position control system for a remote-controlled vehicle, a vehicle operated by the control system, and a method for operating a remote-controlled vehicle. An electromagnetic energy receiver is configured to receive an electromagnetic beam. The electromagnetic energy receiver is further configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle relative to a position of the electromagnetic beam. The vehicle is directed to maneuver to track the position of the electromagnetic beam.
US08536498B2
An induction heating apparatus for heating a traveling metal plate includes an induction coil for surrounding the metal plate. The induction coil includes an upper induction coil for being located above the metal plate and a lower induction coil for being located below the metal plate. The upper and lower induction coils are spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction of the metal plate a constant distance across a transverse direction of the metal plate. Each of the upper induction coil and the lower induction coil is arranged obliquely at an edge area of the metal plate so as to form an oblique angle with the transverse direction of the metal plate.
US08536494B2
A chuck for a plasma processor comprises a temperature-controlled base, a thermal insulator, a flat support, and a heater. The temperature-controlled base has a temperature below the desired temperature of a workpiece. The thermal insulator is disposed over the temperature-controlled base. The flat support holds a workpiece and is disposed over the thermal insulator. A heater is embedded within the flat support and/or disposed on an underside of the flat support. The heater includes a plurality of heating elements that heat a plurality of corresponding heating zones. The power supplied and/or temperature of each heating element is controlled independently.
US08536491B2
A semiconductor furnace suitable for chemical vapor deposition processing of wafers. The furnace includes a thermal reaction chamber having a top, a bottom, a sidewall, and an internal cavity for removably holding a batch of vertically stacked wafers. A heating system is provided that includes a plurality of rotatable heaters arranged and operative to heat the chamber. In one embodiment, spacing between the sidewall heaters is adjustable. The heating system controls temperature variations within the chamber and promotes uniform film deposit thickness on the wafers.
US08536486B2
A workpiece including an irregularly shaped portion on a dividing line is divided along the dividing line by detecting the location of the irregularly shaped portion, applying a detecting laser beam to an area of the workpiece except for the detected location, along the dividing line to detect the height of a surface of the workpiece except for the location, applying and focusing a machining laser beam having a wavelength which permeates the workpiece within the workpiece while moving a focused spot of the machining laser beam based on the detected height of the surface of the workpiece to form a modified layer in an area of the workpiece except for at least the location of the irregularly shaped portion along the dividing line, and applying an external force to the modified layer to divide the workpiece along the dividing line.
US08536483B2
A coating removal apparatus removes a coating from a surface. The apparatus has a movable scanning head and scanning optics. The scanning head is movable in one dimension, and the scanning optics adjust in two dimensions to compensate for movement of the scanning head to implement long range scanning with a uniform scanning pattern. Further, a surface roughness is determined by measuring specular and scattered reflections at various angles. For composite surfaces, the apparatus utilizes UV laser radiation and a controlled atmosphere to remove coating and alter the chemical characteristics at the surface.
US08536482B2
A laser processing machine is provided which has a machine frame and a laser generator fastened to the machine frame. The laser generator is movable relative to the machine frame.
US08536481B2
Electrode assemblies for plasma reactors include a structure or device for constraining an arc endpoint to a selected area or region on an electrode. In some embodiments, the structure or device may comprise one or more insulating members covering a portion of an electrode. In additional embodiments, the structure or device may provide a magnetic field configured to control a location of an arc endpoint on the electrode. Plasma generating modules, apparatus, and systems include such electrode assemblies. Methods for generating a plasma include covering at least a portion of a surface of an electrode with an electrically insulating member to constrain a location of an arc endpoint on the electrode. Additional methods for generating a plasma include generating a magnetic field to constrain a location of an arc endpoint on an electrode.
US08536480B2
In an encoder dampening mechanism for an electric spot welding gun equipped with a motor that is accommodated inside of a motor housing and causes a hollow rotor to rotate, and an encoder main body that detects a rotation angle of the hollow rotor, the encoder dampening mechanism includes: a thin plate that is formed with a top surface that is larger in a surface area than a base surface of the encoder main body, and on which the base surface of the encoder main body is installed within the top surface; and a thin plate mounting portion that connects the thin plate to the motor housing via the thin plate support part and the thin plate pressure part, which dampen vibration.
US08536477B2
A control assembly for an electronic device includes a housing, a control key, and an elastic member. The housing defines a groove. The control key is slidably positioned in the groove. The elastic member includes a plate portion and at least one elastic arm. The control key brings the elastic member to move to contact a switch, and the at least one elastic arm provides a return force to return the control key.
US08536473B2
An electrical switch device includes a housing, faceplate, and a light pipe assembly that includes a light transmissive channel, a position stop, and a cam. The device also includes an air gap switch having a movable contact assembly and a stationary contact assembly. The movable contact assembly includes a cam follower that engages the cam of the light pipe assembly. The light pipe assembly is configured to pulled outward from the outer surface of the faceplate. Movement of the light pipe assembly cause the cam follower of the movable contact assembly to move along the cam and separate the movable contact from the stationary contact, shorting the circuit. Pushing the light pipe assembly in a direction back into the faceplate causes the cam follower to move in the opposite direction along the cam and allows the movable contact to engage the stationary contact and close the circuit.
US08536466B2
According to one embodiment, a terminal box includes a box case placed on and fixed to a back film of a solar cell string and a terminal panel formed on the box case. The box case includes a case main body placed on and fixed to the back film of the solar cell string and a terminal panel fixing portion for placing and fixing the terminal panel above the case main body. An opening for passing an output lead wire through the terminal panel is formed continuously from the bottom face of the case main body to the top face of the terminal panel. One edge of the terminal panel is provided so as to protrude from the terminal panel fixing portion such that the tip of the output lead wire can be bent and latched on.
US08536465B2
Provided is an electrochemical device compatible with high-temperature reflow soldering using a lead-free solder. An electrical double layer capacitor 10-1 includes a package 14 that is constructed with a film or films and has sealed parts 14a1 to 14a3 formed by sealing parts, in which films are superimposed on each other, by, for example, heat sealing. The entireties of the sealed parts 14a1 to 14a3 of the package 14 are covered in a close-contact state with a support 16 that has higher rigidity than the film(s) constructing the package 14.
US08536461B2
A printed circuit board comprising a hard portion of at least one main hard PCB, and at least one secondary hard PCB; and a flexible portion to connect the main hard PCB to the secondary hard PCB both physically and electrically and enabling the secondary hard PCB to move in relation to the main hard PCB.
US08536458B1
An electronic component package includes a substrate having an upper surface. Traces on the upper surface of the substrate extend in a longitudinal direction. The traces have a first latitudinal width in a latitudinal direction, the latitudinal direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Rectangular copper pillars are attached to bond pads of an electronic component, the copper pillars having a longitudinal length and a latitudinal second width. The latitudinal second width of the copper pillars is equal to and aligned with the first latitudinal width of the traces. Further, the longitudinal length of the copper pillars is parallel with the longitudinal direction of the trace and equal to the length of the bond pads. The copper pillars are mounted to the traces with solder joints.
US08536449B2
Insulated wires for use in electronic equipment have an electrically conductive core and an insulating layer and/or a insulating jacket formed of a flame retardant thermoplastic composition surrounding the electrically conductive core. The flame retardant thermoplastic composition includes (A) a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer and/or a copolyamide elastomer as a thermoplastic polymer component, (B) a metal salt of a phosphinic acid and/or a diphosphinic acid and/or a polymer thereof, (C) a nitrogen containing flame retardant synergist and/or a phosphor/nitrogen containing flame retardant as a flame retardant component, and (D) an inorganic compound chosen from basic and amphoteric oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, silicates, borates, stannates, mixed oxide-hydroxides, oxide-hydroxide-carbonates, hydroxide-silicates and hydroxide-borates, and mixtures thereof.
US08536448B2
A structure to provide a Zener diode to avoid shunt formation is disclosed. An undoped or lightly doped monocrystalline thin semiconductor lamina is cleaved from a donor body which is not permanently affixed to a support element. The lamina may be annealed at high temperature to remove damage from a prior implant. At least one aperture is formed through the lamina, either due to flaws in the cleaving process, or intentionally following cleaving. Heavily doped amorphous silicon layers having opposite conductivity types are deposited on opposite faces of the lamina, one forming the emitter and one a base contact to a photovoltaic cell, while the lamina forms the base of the cell. The heavily doped layers contact in the aperture, forming a Zener diode. This Zener diode prevents formation of shunts, and may behave as a bypass diode if the cell is placed under heavy reverse bias, as when one cell in a series string is shaded while the rest of the string is exposed to sun.
US08536447B2
A fabricating method of an electrode of a solar cell includes forming a first electrode layer on a photoelectric conversion layer, forming an antireflective layer on the photoelectric conversion layer to cover the first electrode layer, forming a second electrode layer on the antireflective layer, and performing a sintering process. A material of the first electrode layer does not react with the photoelectric conversion layer and the antireflective layer during the sintering process, while at least a material of the second electrode layer reacts with the antireflective layer during the sintering process. The sintering process is performed, such that the second electrode layer reacts with the antireflective layer, and the second electrode layer penetrates the antireflective layer to electrically connect the first electrode layer.
US08536441B2
Solar apparatus for concurrent heating and power-generation duty having a base load bearing structure and a load bearing structure supported on the base load bearing structure secured to the plant solar concentrator so as to allow rotation of the concentrator with an established maximum rotation angle, with both a first alternate rotation movement in a circular direction and a horizontal plane along the base load bearing structure, and a second alternate movement along a curved path around a vertical plane orthogonal to the horizontal plane. The solar concentrator is actuatable with said first and second movement during the day by respective first and second actuators, controlled by a microprocessor, depending on the corresponding orientations of the concentrator, detected by first and second sensors, in a manner to orientate the concentrator for receiving maximum solar radiation during the day.
US08536436B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for providing music based cognitive skills development. More particularly the present invention may provide a music based cognitive skills development platform. The platform is provided using computer implemented systems and methods for training a human subject so as to enhance his/her intelligence, attention, language skills and brain functioning. The present invention provides these benefits using exercises, one or more of which are based on musical training aspects, however, in addition to musical training other cognitive skills development exercises may be used, as described herein. The invention may be utilized by users of varying musical skills and may be presented at a level corresponding to the prior musical training (if any) of a user, and in a form corresponding to the cognitive capacity, interests and attention span of a user.
US08536434B2
The resonant drum head mounted speaker cone retrofit kit improves the sound of the drum on audio recordings and in live sound situations and changes the way the drum is miked in live and studio applications. The center of the resonant drumhead is cut out and a speaker cone assembly is attached thereon facing outwards. The speaker cone, which also vibrates from this pressure, now becomes the miked surface of the instrument. Using otherwise conventional miking techniques, a wider range of attack and tone characteristics can be obtained from the drumhead. Additionally, use of optional speaker cone sizing, composition options and differences in tension also contribute to define and tune the sound characteristics based on end user preference.
US08536399B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a method of reducing the odor of urine; and an article functioning to reduce the odor of urine. The present invention relates to the method comprising using a compound(s) reactive with aldehydes to thereby reduce the urine odor. Moreover, the present invention relates to the article, especially one for body fluid absorption, which functions to reduce the odor of urine by having compounds reactive with aldehydes to be present in absorption articles. As the compounds reactive with aldehydes, organic amines, organic amine salts, compounds producing organic amines by the reaction with discharges, organic amines, amide compounds, and compounds having a mercapto group can be used.
US08536397B2
A process for the separation of the aromatic compounds benzene, toluene and xylene from an aromatics-containing reformate gasoline and pyrolysis gasoline or a coke-oven light oil or an aromatics-containing refinery stream, in which the aromatics are separated by an extractive distillation uses a novel solvent combination made up of the compounds n,n′-diformyl piperazine or 2,2′-bis-(cyanoethyl)ether in a combination with n-formyl morpholine as a second solvent for extractive distillation so that the solvent combination obtained shows a higher selectivity with regard to the aromatics to be extracted so that a lower solvent load is required. The aromatics-containing feed mixture is first submitted to a pre-distillation so that the obtained fraction has a narrow boiling point range. This fraction is then submitted to an extractive distillation in a first column, in which an aromatics-lean head product of predominantly paraffinic hydrocarbons is obtained as well as an aromatics-enriched bottom product. The bottom product is passed to a second column in which an aromatics-rich raffinate is obtained by reducing the pressure or increasing the temperature so that the extracting solvent combination obtained as bottom product can be recycled into the process.
US08536395B2
A solid catalyst, such as a molecular sieve catalyst or solid acid catalyst, is supported by a binder, such as amorphous silica or alumina, wherein the binder is charged with metal ions to form an ion-modified binder. The ion-modified binder is capable of attachment to polar contaminants and inhibit their contact with the catalyst. The catalyst can be a zeolite and can be the catalyst for an alkylation reaction, such as the alkylation of benzene with ethylene.
US08536389B2
Unleaded blend composition having a Motor Octane Number (MON) of at least 80 having less than 42% of aromatic compounds, and at least 2% by volume of the total composition of component (a′), which is a substantially aliphatic hydrocarbon refinery stream of MON value of at least 85. At least 70% in total of the stream is branched chain alkanes, the stream being obtained by distillation from a refinery material as a cut having Initial Boiling Point of at least 15° C. and Final Boiling Point of at most 160° C. The Boiling Points are measured according to ASTMID2892. At least 5% of at least one paraffin, aromatic hydrocarbon compound or olefinic hydrocarbon has a bp 60-160° C., with not more than 5% of the total composition of hydrocarbon having a bp more than 160° C. Less than 5% 2,2,3-trimethylbutane or 2,2,3-trimethylpentane is present.
US08536388B2
The present invention provides a process for its preparation comprising (a) converting 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,3-dichloropropane (243db) to 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-chloro-prop-1-ene (CF3CCI═CH2) in the presence of a first catalyst in a first reactor, (b) contacting CF3CCI═CH2 with a fluorinating agent in the presence of a second catalyst in a second reactor to produce a compound of formula CF3CFXCH3, wherein X═Cl or F, and (c) dehydrohalogenating the compound of formula CF3CFXCH3 to produce 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf).
US08536387B2
Process for preparing perfluoro-1,3-butadiene, comprising the following steps: A) preparation of fluoro-halo-butanes of formula: CF2YI—CFYII—CFYII—CF2YI (V) in which YI and YII, which may be identical or different, may be H, Cl or Br, with the condition that YI and YII are not simultaneously hydrogen; starting with a chloroolefin having the formula: CY″Y═CY′Cl (II) in which Y, Y′, Y″, which may be identical or different, are H, Cl or Br, with the condition that Y, Y′, Y″ are not simultaneously hydrogen; and performing the following steps: a fluorodimerization, and a fluorination with elemental fluorine, the order of the two steps also possibly being inverted, a dehalogenation or dehydrohalogenation step being performed between the two steps, B) dehalogenation or dehydrohalogenation of the fluoro-halo compounds of formula (V) to give the compound perfluoro-1,3-butadiene.
US08536385B2
A process for preparing dimethyl ether or a mixture of dimethyl ether and methanol including passing a raw gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen through a catalyst slurry containing a mixture including (a) a medium oil having as a main component, a branched, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon having 16 to 50 carbon atoms, 1 to 7 tertiary carbon atoms, 0 quaternary carbon atoms, and 1 to 16 carbon atoms in the branched chains bonded to the tertiary carbon atom; and at least one of the tertiary carbon atoms is bonded to hydrocarbon chains with a chain length having 4 or more of carbon atoms in three directions, (b) a methanol synthesis catalyst; (c) a methanol dehydration catalyst; and (d) a methanol shift catalyst or a methanol dehydration/shift catalyst.
US08536384B2
A process for producing ethanol is disclosed, comprising the steps of hydrogenating acetic acid in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst to form a crude ethanol product, separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in a column into a first distillate comprising ethanol and a first residue comprising acetic acid and water, wherein a substantial portion of the water in the crude ethanol product that is fed to the column is removed in the first residue, and separating a portion of the ethanol mixture stream to the second distillation column to yield an ethanol product sidedraw, second residue comprising water and a second distillate comprising ethyl acetate. The water content of the ethanol product sidedraw may be further reduced to yield a stream having reduced water content.
US08536379B2
The present application relates to a method for manufacturing tert-butyl hydroperoxide that includes the following steps: a) fermenting renewable raw materials and optionally purifying the same to produce a mixture containing at least butanol; b) dehydrating the butanol into butane; c) converting the butane into isobutene and optionally hydrating the isobutene to produce tert-butanol; d) reacting the product of step c) with hydrogen peroxide so as to produce tert-butyl hydroperoxide; and e) isolating the tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The invention also relates to tert-butyl hydroperoxide containing carbon atoms from renewable resources, to the compositions containing said tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and also relates to the use thereof as a polymerization initiator.
US08536374B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing dicarboxylic acids from saturated and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons by oxidation at a reaction temperature comprised in the range of 25 to 300° C. in an autoclave using a solid heterogeneous catalyst. More particularly, the method of the invention relates to a method for preparing adipic acid (AA) from cyclohexane (CH) by selective oxidation.
US08536370B2
Low chlorine, multi-staged method for producing cycloaliphatic diisocyanates. The invention relates to a multi-staged method for the continuous low-chlorine production of cycloaliphatic diisocyanates, comprising the synthesis of diaminodipheynl alkanes, the hydration thereof into the corresponding cycloaliphatic diamines and the subsequent conversion of cycloaliphatic diamines to the corresponding cycloalkylene biscarbamates and the thermal cleaving of the latter into the cycloaliphatic diisocyanates and alcohol.
US08536367B2
A process for the selective production of vinyl ester by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with acetylene with a homogeneous catalyst is disclosed and claimed. In one aspect, esters of neoacids are provided.
US08536365B2
Process for the optical resolution of the compound of formula (I): by chiral chromatography. Application in the synthesis of ivabradine, of its addition salts with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid and of their hydrates.
US08536358B2
The present invention relates to substances which can be applied to the technical fields of gas storages, polymerization catalysts and optical isomers, their intermediates, and processes for preparing the same, which is characterized in that 1) possible disintegration of structure of the scaffold material (SM) is impeded, and 2) they are prepared by a simple manufacturing system as compared to the substances conventionally suggested in the application field. Specifically, it relates to scaffold material-transition metal hydride complexes comprised of scaffold material (SM) and transition metal hydride (M1H(n-1)) which is chemically bonded to the functional groups formed on the scaffold material, SM-transition metal halide complex and SM-transition metal ligand complex as the precursors, and a process for preparing the same. The SM-transition metal hydride complex according to the present invention is a substance for hydrogen storage which adsorbs hydrogen via Kubas adsorption. The complex according to the invention can store high capacity of hydrogen with safety and reversibility, while disintegration of its structure does not occur even with repeated adsorption-desorption of hydrogen.
US08536347B2
A photoacid generator represented by Formula 1 or Formula 2: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are each independently a C1-C10 alkyl group, X is a C3-C20 alicyclic hydrocarbon group forming a ring with S+, and at least one CH2 group in the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be replaced with at least one selected from the group consisting of S, O, NH, a carbonyl group, and R5—S+A−, where R5 is a C1-C10 alkyl group, and A− is a counter-ion.
US08536345B2
The present invention relates to methods of making compounds that inhibit 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme (11-β HSD1). One method comprises (a) contacting a compound of formula (II) with a chiral base, deprotonating agent, and an alkylating agent R3-LG, (b) contacting the product of (a) with an acid to form a salt, and (c) reacting the salt with a base to form the compound of formula (I); wherein Z, R1, R2, and R3 are defined herein.
US08536344B2
There is disclosed compounds of formula 1, their preparation, intermediates for the preparation and the use of the compounds of the formula 1 as catalysts in various metathesis reactions. The novel metathesis catalysts, which are obtained from readily available precursors, have a high activity and can be used for any type of metathesis reaction.
US08536342B2
Disclosed is a process for producing a thiabenzoazulene-propionic acid derivative which is useful as an active ingredient of an antihistaminic agent or the like. According to the producing process of the present invention, it is possible to produce a thiabenzoazulene-propionic acid derivative where the 2-position of the thiabenzoazulene skeleton is substituted with propionic acid. The thiabenzoazulene propionic-acid derivative thus synthesized has excellent antagonistic action to histamine H1 receptor and low intracerebral transmigration and, therefore, is useful as an active ingredient of the pharmaceutical composition such as an antihistaminic agent.
US08536341B2
The invention relates to a process of reacting a primary allylic alcohol with a compound containing a) a metal selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Ce, Mn, Ni, Ru, Re, Zn and Co preferably Ag and b) an oxidant like TEMPO (2,2′,6,6′-tetra-methylpiperidin-1-oxyl) or its derivates and c) a co-oxidants selected from the group of peroxodisulfates (PDS), H2SO5, H2O2, NaOCl, O2, KOCl, and air.
US08536340B2
Cyclic amine compounds represented by formula (1) or salts thereof or N-oxides thereof, wherein Cy1 represents an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic ring; X represents oxygen, sulfur, unsubstituted or substituted nitrogen, sulfinyl, or sulfonyl; R1a and R2a, R1a and R4a, R2a and R3a, or R3a and R4a form saturated rings together; R1a, R1b, R2a, R2b, R3a, R3b, R4a, R4b, and R5 which do not form the saturated rings are each independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted amino, nitro, or an organic group; Cy2 represents an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic ring with a proviso that Cy2 is an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaromatic ring when R1a and R2a form a saturated ring together and Cy1 is an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, and Cy2 is a substituted pyridin-2-yl having one or more cyano as a substituent when Cy1 is an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl and Cy2 is a pyridin-2-yl.
US08536338B2
The disclosure provides compounds of formula I, II, III, IV, and V, including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV.
US08536324B2
Functionalized Single Wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) complexed with nanochitosan for use in the delivery of bioaffecting substances and diagnostic applications. fSWCNT complexed with the chitosan NG042 were used for delivery of DNA-encoding EGFP reporter protein and peptide. The results demonstrate that shown CNT-chitosan hybrid nanoparticles exhibit significantly higher transfection efficiency in vivo than chitosan alone. Furthermore, the functionalized nanotubes were tested for peptide transfer into HEK293 cells. The results showed that the hybrid nanoparticles efficiently transferred peptides. Together, these results show that hybrid SWCNT-chitosan particles increase DNA and peptide transfer into cells.
US08536311B2
The present invention relates to an inhibitor protein of the wnt signal path, a DNA encoding such a protein and a process for the preparation of such a protein. In addition, this invention concerns the use of the DNA and the protein as well as antibodies directed against the protein.
US08536310B2
Anti-CLL-1 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such antibodies and antigen-binding fragments are described. Also described are methods of using such antibodies and antigen-binding regions to bind CLL-1 and treat diseases, such as hematologic malignancies, which are characterized by expression of CLL-1.
US08536307B2
The invention relates to the production of novel proteins exhibiting binding activity for certain ligands, the so-called anticalins. To this end, the structure of peptides of the lipocalin family is modified by amino acid replacement in their natural ligand binding pocket using genetic engineering methods. Like immunoglobulin, the anticalin thus obtained can be used to identify or bind molecular structures.
US08536306B2
The invention provides the structure of human A2A adenosine receptor protein bound to an antagonist. Methods of using one or more binding sites and other features of this G-protein coupled receptor to develop new therapeutics are also disclosed.
US08536304B2
The invention relates to a tumor-associated peptide containing an amino sequence, which is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:79 of the enclosed listing. The peptide has the ability to bind to a molecule of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I. The invention also relates to the use of the peptides for manufacture of a medicament and for treating tumorous diseases. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition, which comprises at least one of the peptides.
US08536300B2
Photocrosslinkable electrically conductive polymers and compositions including the polymers are provided. Also, electrically conductive layers or films formed from the compositions, preparation methods of these, and articles including the electrically conductive layers or films are provided. The electrically conductive polymers according to the present disclosure have photoreactive groups that can be crosslinked using like. The electrically conductive polymers can also be dissolved in aqueous solution. These photocrosslinkable and soluble properties allow the electrically conductive polymers to be used in wet processing to make films and/or to be made into a patterned conductive layer or film using a photomask.
US08536298B2
A process for preparing polyimide resins comprises stirring a diamine and a dianhydride in a solvent to form a slurry; heating the slurry to a temperature sufficient for the diamine and dianhydride to react wherein the temperature is below the melting point of the dianhydride, below the melting point of the diamine, or below the melting points of the dianhydride and diamine; and reacting the diamine and dianhydride to form a polyimide having sufficient molecular weight to precipitate from the solvent.
US08536290B2
Disclosed herein are catalyst compositions and polymers, i.e., propylene-based polymers, produced therefrom. The present catalyst compositions contain an internal electron donor of an alkoxyalkyl 2-propenoate and optionally a mixed external electron donor. The present catalyst compositions improve catalyst selectivity and polymer stiffness. Polypropylene homopolymer produced from the present catalyst composition has a xylene solubles content less than 4 wt % and a TMF greater than 172.0° C.
US08536286B2
A composite catalyst useful in the production of polyethylene, which comprises at least a first catalyst and a second catalyst separated by a polymer layer, with the first catalyst and the second catalyst being identical or different, is described. A composite catalyst useful in the production of polyethylene with a broad molecular weight distribution in a single polymerization reactor, which comprises at least a first catalyst and a second catalyst separated by a polymer layer, with the first catalyst and the second catalyst being different, is also described. A process for preparing said catalysts and a process for the production of a polyethylene by using said catalysts are also described.
US08536274B2
Disclosed herein is a clear paint composition, comprising (A) an acrylic copolymer comprising from 35 to 50 wt % ε-caprolactone structural units, based on the resin solid fraction, and wherein the hydroxyl number is from 200 to 340 mgKOH/g and the weight average molecular weight is from 5,000 to 15,000 and (B) a non-yellowing type polyisocyanate compound, wherein the isocyanate group of the (B) component is included in a proportion of from 0.5 to 2 equivalents per 1 equivalent of hydroxyl group of the (A) component, wherein the Young's modulus of the hardened paint film obtained from said paint composition is not more than 1.5 Pa, wherein the molecular weight of intercrosslinking of the cured coating film (Mc) is not more than 350 g/mol, and wherein the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the hardened paint film is at least 65° C.
US08536272B2
Disclosed herein is a polymer composition comprising: a poly(arylene ether); a polyester; and an impact modifier. The composition has a continuous phase comprising polyester and a disperse phase comprising poly(arylene ether). The amount of the disperse phase is less than 35 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.
US08536271B2
An object of the present invention is, in a thermoplastic elastomer composition in which a modified rubber is dispersed and filled in an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer matrix in order to improve the low-temperature durability of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, to reduce the extrusion load during extrusion molding thereof into a film without deteriorating the low-temperature durability. The present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) and a modified rubber (B) dispersed in the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A), wherein the modified rubber (B) has an acid anhydride group or epoxy group and is dynamically cross-linked by a compound (C) having at least two amino groups. This thermoplastic elastomer composition can be suitably used in the production of an inner liner of a pneumatic tire.
US08536255B2
An acid modified asphalt binder is combined with an emulsifier solution to produce an emulsified asphalt binder. The acid modified asphalt binder may be formed by combining an asphalt binder, a phosphorous-based acid, and, optionally, a polymer modifier. The emulsifier solution may be produced by forming an aqueous solution of an amine and a phosphorous-based acid, which forms an aqueous solution comprising an amine phosphate. The emulsified asphalt binder may be combined with an aggregate to form a paving material. In other examples, the emulsified asphalt binder may be used alone, for example in a chip seal application, or in a diluted form, for example in a fog seal application.
US08536254B2
In order to provide a curable casting compound for producing plastic molded parts, comprising a binder component based on polymerizable monomers selected from methyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate and a proportion of about 40 to about 85% by weight of one or more inorganic fillers, which compound can be used for producing plastic molded parts having an increased impact strength, it is proposed that the casting compound comprise 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of keratin fibers.
US08536251B2
The invention relates to a copolymer comprising i) 3 to 40 mol % of an isoprenolpolyether derivative structural unit α ii) 3 to 40 mol % of a vinyloxypolyether derivative structural unit β and iii) 35 to 93 mol % of an acid structural unit γ, the structural units of the copolymer which belong to the vinyloxypolyether derivative structural unit β having longer side chains than the structural units which belong to the isoprenolpolyether derivative structural unit α.
US08536249B2
An elastomer composite includes the coagulated product of a mixture of a particulate slurry and a latex blend comprising skim latex and at least one of field latex and latex concentrate.
US08536248B2
The reinforced thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention includes: 50 to 90% by weight of a polycarbonate resin (A); 10 to 50% by weight of a graft copolymer mixture (B) (provided that a total amount of the component (A) and the component (B) accounts for 100% by weight) which is obtained by graft-polymerizing an aromatic alkenyl compound monomer unit (a) and a vinyl cyanide compound monomer unit (b) onto a rubber polymer (B1); and 6 to 22 parts by weight of an inorganic filler (D) which has been surface-treated with a water-soluble polyamide, relative to the total of 100 parts by weight of the polycarbonate resin (A) and the graft copolymer mixture (B). There is provided a reinforced thermoplastic resin composition exhibiting excellent moldability, generates a minimal amount of gas during molding, and also being capable of improving the rigidity of the resulting molded article and the impact resistance when dropping the product.
US08536244B2
The friction lining mixture for a friction material for brake and clutch linings, the brake and clutch linings contains metal fibers and/or powder, functional fillers, lubricants and organic compounds for improving the performance capability of the friction pairing metallic and/or alloyed and/or bound tin in an amount of 0.5 to 50.0 percent by weight, preferably 2.0 to 10.0 percent by weight, the copper content in the friction lining mixture being 0.001 to 4.999 percent by weight, preferably 0.001 to 0.499 percent by weight.
US08536234B2
A method and apparatus for the generation of synthetic motor fuels and additives to oil fuels, C1-C4 alcohols, hydrogen, methane, synthesized gas (H2+CO2) by hydrothermal treatment of carbonaceous compounds by providing a two-stage carbon gasification process operated under the supercritical conditions of H2O and CO2, including a first stage gasification reactor having a reaction zone for the conversion of carbonaceous compounds and a second stage reactor for the conversion of the products of the first stage reactor; feeding a aqueous suspension of carbonaceous compound in an amount of at least 30% by weight and an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal catalyst or reactive OH-species from an electrolyzer through said first stage gasification reactor as a supercritical fluid at a volume velocity of 0.01-0.05 g of carbon per 1 cm3 per hour, at a carbon/catalyst mole ratio of between about 70/1 and 90/1, at a temperature of 390-450° C., and under a pressure of about 225 to 500 bars; feeding the reaction products from the first stage reactor to the second stage reactor over a copper-zinc catalyst at the temperature of 200-280° C. and under a pressure of at least about 100 bars so that any gases generated in the first stage are converted into C1-C4 alcohols with the weight ratio of C1-C2 to C3-C4 between about 0-35% to 100-65%.
US08536232B2
The present invention relates to omega-3 diglyceride emulsions characterized in that the lipid phase comprises at least about 40 wt.-% of diglycerides. Preferably about 70 wt.-% of the acyl-groups of said diglycerides, are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) groups and/or docosahexaenoic (DHA) groups. The invention further relates to methods of treatment using the omega-3 diglyceride emulsions.
US08536228B2
The present invention is directed to transdermal compositions and the uses thereof. These compositions include at least one of the following components: a C1-C6 dialkyl, C12-C30 dialkyl quaternary ammonium salt, a C12-C30 fatty acid, a nitrogenous organic base, C12-30 fatty alcohol, monoglyceride or the reaction products thereof.
US08536222B2
The present invention provides new addition compounds of guanidinoacetic acid with malic acid, aspartic acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, pyruvic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, alpha-ketoglutaric acid, pyroglutamic acid, 3-nicotinic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, taurine, betaine, choline, methionine and lipoic acid as well as in the form of sodium, potassium or calcium guanidinoacetate. These addition compounds have improved physiological and therapeutic properties and are particularly suitable for use as dietary supplements, as animal feeds and in cosmetic or dermatological preparations in which especially the marked stability and good bioavailability of the addition compounds come to the fore.
US08536221B2
The invention relates to novel amide derivatives that are PAMs of neuronal nicotinic receptors, compositions comprising the same, processes for preparing such compounds, and methods for using such compounds and compositions.
US08536214B2
The present invention relates to a heterocyclic derivative according to formula (I); wherein the variables are defined as in the specification, or to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said heterocyclic derivatives and to their use in therapy, for instance in the treatment or prevention of psychiatric diseases where an enhancement of synaptic responses mediated by AMPA receptors is required, including schizophrenia, depression and Alzheimer's disease.
US08536211B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 5-substituted 1-alkyltetrazoles.
US08536209B2
The invention relates to aminotriazole derivatives of formula (I), wherein A, E, R1 and R2 are as defined in the description, their preparation and their use as pharmaceutically active compounds.
US08536205B2
Photochromic and electrochromic hexadiene compounds that are reversibly convertible between ring-open and ring-closed isomeric forms. The conversion between the different isomeric forms may be induced by light or electricity. The compounds may include a charge transfer moiety including electron donor and acceptor groups. The electron donor and acceptor are linearly conjugated in the ring-open form to enable electron transfer but are electrically insulated in the ring-closed form. Photoresponsive compounds may be synthesized by any of several methods disclosed, e.g., by reacting diene precursors with dienophiles in a condensation reaction. The compounds may be utilized in reactivity-gated photochromic or electrochromic applications. Compounds may be used in a method to selectively release a releasable agent, such as a small molecule.
US08536197B2
An antibiotic compound having a novel mechanism of action, weak cytotoxicity, high solubility in water, effective in inhibiting both DNA gyrase GyrB and topoisomerase IV ParE subunits, and having antibacterial activity.
US08536192B2
A novel compound which is useful as an agent for treating and/or preventing emesis, vomiting and/or constipation.A compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen, optionally substituted lower alkyl, optionally substituted lower alkenyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl etc., R3 is hydrogen, hydroxy, optionally substituted lower alkyl, optionally substituted lower alkenyl, optionally substituted lower alkynyl, optionally substituted lower alkoxy etc., R4 is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R5 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl lower alkyl or lower alkenyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptably salt, or a solvate thereof is provided.
US08536187B2
Pyrido(3,2-d)pyrimidine derivatives represented by the structural formula (Ia): wherein, R1, R2 and R3 are defined herein, pharmaceutical acceptable addition salts, stereochemical isomeric forms, N-oxides, solvates and pro-drugs thereof, for use in the treatment of hepatitis C.
US08536180B2
Described herein are compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutical acceptable salts or solvates thereof, wherein G1, L1, R2, R3, n, p, Ar1, and Ar2 are defined in the description. Methods of making said compounds, and compositions comprising said compounds which are useful for inhibiting kinases such as IGF-1R are also disclosed.
US08536179B2
Herein are disclosed indoles of formula (I) where the various groups are defined herein, and which are useful in treating cancer.
US08536163B2
Ingenol angelate is a potent anticancer agent, and can be stabilized by dissolving it in an aprotic solvent in the presence of an acidic buffer.
US08536161B2
Combinations of PI3K inhibitor compounds having Formula I and chemotherapeutic agents, including stereoisomers, geometric isomers, tautomers, metabolites and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful for treating hematopoietic malignancies. Methods of using such combinations for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed.
US08536159B2
Optionally substituted 3-(thio, sulfonyl or sulfonyl)-7,8-dihydro-(1H or 2H)-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one or a substituted 3-(thio, sulfinyl or sulfonyl)-7,8,9-trihydro-(1H or 2H)-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one compounds or Compounds of Formula (I), processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08536157B2
The present invention relates to non-steroidal compounds useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. A representative example of these compounds is
US08536154B2
The present invention relates to a composition for activating mitochondria which contains a chitooligosaccharide as an active constituent. The chitooligosaccharide can increase the activity of mitochondrial enzymes and increase the amount of mitochondrial DNA, and thus it can be suitably used as an active constituent in the composition for activating mitochondria.
US08536149B2
It has now been determined that antisense therapy which reduces the expression of TRPM-2 provides therapeutic benefits in the treatment of cancer. Addition of antisense TRPM-2 ODN to prostatic tumor cells in vivo is effective for delaying the onset of androgen independence. Combined use of antisense TRPM-2 and taxanes synergistically enhances cytotoxic chemosensitivity of androgen-independent prostate cancer. In addition, it has also been found that antisense TRPM-2 has beneficial effect for other cancer types. Specifically, antisense TRPM-2 ODN enhances chemosensitivity in human Renal cell cancer, a normally chemoresistant disease with no active chemotherapeutic agent having an objective response rate higher than 10%. Radiation sensitivity is also enhanced when cells expressing TRPM-2 are treated with antisense TRPM-2 ODN. Thus, the antisense TRPM-2 ODNs can be used to enhance hormone sensitivity, chemosensitivity and radiation sensitivity of a variety of cancer types in which expression of TRPM-2 has been observed.
US08536139B2
The present invention relates to lipoteichoic acid T for use in treating pleural effusion or pneumothorax. The present invention also relates to the use of lipoteichoic acid T (LTA-T) in the manufacture of a medicament for treating pleural effusion or pneumothorax. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising lipoteichoic acid T and instructions indicating that the composition is for use as a pleurodesis agent. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of treating pleural effusion or pneumothorax comprising administration of lipoteichoic acid T to a subject.
US08536136B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or mixtures thereof that inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus NS3-NS4A protease. As such, they act by interfering with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The invention further relates to compositions comprising these compounds either for ex vivo use or for administration to a patient suffering from HCV infection and to processes for preparing the compounds. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a patient by administering a composition comprising a compound of this invention. The invention further relates to processes for preparing these compounds.
US08536133B2
This invention provides polydentate selective high affinity ligands (SHALs) that can be used in a variety of applications in a manner analogous to the use of antibodies. SHALs typically comprise a multiplicity of ligands that each binds different regions on the target molecule. The ligands are joined directly or through a linker thereby forming a polydentate moiety that typically binds the target molecule with high selectivity and avidity.
US08536126B2
The present invention relates to B-domain truncated Factor VIII molecules with a modified circulatory half life, said molecule being covalently conjugated with a hydrophilic polymer. The invention furthermore relates to methods for obtaining such molecules as well as use of such molecules.
US08536120B2
The present invention provides novel compounds that have been demonstrated to be modulators of the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R1a and subtypes, iso forms and variants thereof). These compounds are useful as antagonists of the ghrelin receptor as well as inverse agonist, partial agonist or a combination of these activities as medicaments for treatment and prevention of a range of medical conditions including, but not limited to, metabolic and/or endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disorders, obesity and obesity-associated disorders, diabetes, central nervous system disorders, genetic disorders, and hyperproliferative disorders.
US08536116B2
Enclosed is an antagonist, which includes a peptide chain represented by an amino acid sequence. The amino acid sequence has a short sequence, C-X1X2X3X4X5-N, which is situated before and neighbored to the third cysteine (Cys, C) of the N-terminus, wherein X1 is an amino acid with aromatic ring, hydrophobic property or long chain, and X2, X3, X4 and X5 are glutamine (G), serine (S), alanine (A) and proline (P) respectively. In one embodiment, X1 is phenylalanine (F). The present antagonists can be used to inhibit or treat with the diseases caused by the activated cells expressing CXCR1 and/or CXCR2 receptor, for example, the acute or chronic inflammatory reaction induced with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) expressing CXCR1 and/or CXCR2 receptor, and angiogenesis accompanied by tumor growth inhibition.
US08536106B2
The use of ferric hydroxycarboxylate as a chelator and builder for cleaning compositions is disclosed. The cleaning composition may be formulated for warewashing, laundering, and for other means of removing soils and includes a ferric hydroxycarboxylate, an alkalinity source and a surfactant system. The cleaning composition has a pH of between about 9 and about 12.
US08536101B2
A cement composition or method of using the cement composition in a subterranean formation, the composition having: (A) cement; (B) water; and (C) a polymer, wherein the polymer: (i) comprises a monomer or monomers selected from the group consisting of epoxysuccinic acid, a substituted epoxysuccinic acid, and an alkali metal salt, alkaline earth metal salt, or ammonium salt of any of the foregoing, and any combination of any of the foregoing; (ii) has the following characteristics: (a) is water soluble; and (b) is biodegradable; and (iii) is capable of providing: (a) a thickening time of at least 2 hours for a test composition at a temperature of 190° F. and a pressure of 5,160 psi; and (b) an initial setting time of less than 24 hours for the test composition at a temperature of 217° F. and a pressure of 3,000 psi.
US08536096B2
The present invention relates to a method for controlling coniferous plants, in particular naturally seeded coniferous plants (wildling conifers), wherein an effective amount of at least one herbicide selected from the group consisting of sulfentrazone, carfentrazone, their agriculturally acceptable salts and their agriculturally acceptable derivatives is applied to the coniferous plants to be controlled or to their parts, such as roots, leaves, seeds or germinants.
US08536095B2
Efficacious herbicidal compositions comprising a derivatized saccharide surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant are described. The compositions are characterized as having low toxicity and are readily biodegradable.
US08536088B2
Method and apparatus for forming image, surface-property-modifying sheet, and thermal transfer sheet
In an image-forming method, a ribbon-shaped thermal transfer sheet with a dye layer and a protective material layer arranged side-by-side in the longitudinal direction is moved, and thermal energy is applied from a thermal head while arranging a recording medium to face the dye layer to thermally transfer the dye layer onto the recording medium to form an image. Thermal energy is applied while arranging the image to face the protective material layer to thereby form a protective layer on the image by thermal transfer. A ribbon-shaped surface-property-modifying sheet including a surface-property-modifying region for modifying the surface of the protective layer is moved, and the protective layer is aligned with the surface-property-modifying region of the surface-property-modifying sheet. Heat and pressure are applied from the thermal head and the surface-property-modifying sheet is detached after cooling to modify the surface condition of the protective layer.
US08536083B2
A process is provided for preparing a carrier which process comprises incorporating into the carrier at any stage of the carrier preparation a strength-enhancing additive. Also provided is the resultant carrier having incorporated therein a strength-enhancing additive and a catalyst comprising the carrier. Also provided is a process for the epoxidation of an olefin employing the catalyst. Also provided is a method of using the olefin oxide so produced for making a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether or an alkanolamine.
US08536076B1
A textile fleece fabric having a resistance to thermal energy from exposure to momentary electric arcs or flame so as to be suitable for use in safety apparel is made of three integrated layers including inner and outer layers on opposite sides of an intervening middle layer. The inner and outer layers are comprised predominately of textile fibers which have inherent or additive flame resistant properties, and the middle layer is comprised substantially entirely of textile fibers without inherent or additive flame resistant properties. The textile fibers of one of the inner or outer layers have a raised nap forming a fleece surface.
US08536075B2
A textile thread or fiber has a plurality of elements, such as electronic elements, embedded or encapsulated therein. The textile thread or fiber could also be part of a fabric article. The textile thread or fiber, for example, has the plurality of elements interconnected, or otherwise intercommunicating, with one another to form a signal processing system. This signal processing system may include, for example, a personal computer system, a personal telecommunications transmitter/receiver system or a personal television and/or radio system.
US08536073B2
Hardmask films having high hardness and low stress are provided. In some embodiments a film has a stress of between about −600 MPa and 600 MPa and hardness of at least about 12 GPa. In some embodiments, a hardmask film is prepared by depositing multiple sub-layers of doped or undoped silicon carbide using multiple densifying plasma post-treatments in a PECVD process chamber. In some embodiments, a hardmask film includes a high-hardness boron-containing film selected from the group consisting of SixByCz, SixByNz, SixByCzNw, BxCy, and BxNy. In some embodiments, a hardmask film includes a germanium-rich GeNx material comprising at least about 60 atomic % of germanium. These hardmasks can be used in a number of back-end and front-end processing schemes in integrated circuit fabrication.
US08536068B2
Methods for forming photoresists sensitive to radiation on substrate are provided. Atomic layer deposition methods of forming films (e.g., silicon-containing films) photoresists are described. The process can be repeated multiple times to deposit a plurality of silicon photoresist layers. Process of depositing photoresist and forming patterns in photoresist are also disclosed which utilize carbon containing underlayers such as amorphous carbon layers.
US08536064B2
A method of lithography patterning includes forming a first etch stop layer, a second etch stop layer, and a hard mask layer on a material layer. The materials of the first etch stop layer and the second etch stop layer are selected by the way that there is a material gradient composition between the second etch stop layer, the first etch stop layer, and the material layer. Hence, gradient etching rates between the second etch stop layer, the first etch stop layer, and the material layer are achieved in an etching process to form etched patterns with smooth and/or vertical sidewalls within the second and the first etch stop layers and the material layer.
US08536062B2
Methods are provided for removing an oxide layer from a metal pad on an integrated circuit in order to reduce contact resistance. In one embodiment, aluminum oxide, on the surface of a bond pad substantially comprised of aluminum, is reacted with a first chemical agent to form an inorganic salt, and the inorganic salt is then reacted with a second chemical agent leaving a substantially bare, that is, unoxidized, aluminum surface.
US08536061B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device manufacturing method includes collectively etching layers of a multilayered film including silicon layers and silicon oxide films alternately stacked on a semiconductor substrate. The etching gas of the etching contains at least two types of group-VII elements and one of a group-III element, a group-IV element, a group-V element, and a group-VI element, the energy of ions entering the semiconductor substrate when performing the etching is not less than 100 eV, and an addition ratio of the group-III element, the group-IV element, the group-V element, the group-VI element, and the group-VII element to the group-VII element is 0.5 (inclusive) to 3.0 (inclusive).
US08536058B2
A method for forming a conductive thin film includes depositing a metal oxide thin film on a substrate by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The method further includes at least partially reducing the metal oxide thin film by exposing the metal oxide thin film to a reducing agent, thereby forming a seed layer. In one arrangement, the reducing agent comprises one or more organic compounds that contain at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of —OH, —CHO, and —COOH. In another arrangement, the reducing agent comprises an electric current.
US08536057B2
A thin film deposition apparatus and a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting device (OLED) using the thin film deposition apparatus. The thin film deposition apparatus includes a deposition source; a first nozzle in which a plurality of first slits are formed in one direction; a second nozzle in which a plurality of second slits are formed in the one direction; a second nozzle frame combined with the second nozzle to support the second nozzle; a first barrier wall assembly including a plurality of first barrier walls disposed in the one direction to form a space between the first nozzle and the second nozzle; and a second barrier wall assembly having a plurality of second barrier walls disposed in the one direction and a second barrier wall frame to support the second barrier walls, the second barrier wall assembly disposed at one side of the first barrier wall assembly, wherein the second barrier walls are mounted on the second barrier wall frame in the one direction and the second barrier walls slide on the second barrier wall frame.
US08536050B2
In sophisticated semiconductor devices, the contact elements connecting to active semiconductor regions having formed thereabove closely spaced gate electrode structures may be provided on the basis of a liner material so as to reduce the lateral width of the contact opening, while, on the other hand, non-critical contact elements may be formed on the basis of non-reduced lateral dimensions. To this end, at least a first portion of the critical contact element is formed and provided with a liner material prior to forming the non-critical contact element.
US08536049B2
Methods of forming metal contacts with metal inks in the manufacture of photovoltaic devices are disclosed. The metal inks are selectively deposited on semiconductor coatings by inkjet and aerosol apparatus. The composite is heated to selective temperatures where the metal inks burn through the coating to form an electrical contact with the semiconductor. Metal layers are then deposited on the electrical contacts by light induced or light assisted plating.
US08536036B2
In a process strategy for forming high-k metal gate electrode structures in an early manufacturing phase, a predoped semiconductor material may be used in order to reduce the Schottky barrier between the semiconductor material and the conductive cap material of the gate electrode structures. Due to the substantially uniform material characteristics of the predoped semiconductor material, any patterning-related non-uniformities during the complex patterning process of the gate electrode structures may be reduced. The predoped semiconductor material may be used for gate electrode structures of complementary transistors.
US08536035B2
Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structures and related methods of forming such structures. In one case, a method includes providing a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) handle substrate having: a substantially uniform resistivity profile along a depth of the handle substrate; and an interstitial oxygen (Oi) concentration of less than approximately 10 parts per million atoms (ppma). The method further includes counter-doping a surface region of the handle, causing the surface region to have a resistivity greater than approximately 3 kOhm-cm, and joining the surface region of the handle substrate with a donor wafer.
US08536023B2
A method of manufacturing semiconductor wafers, the method including: providing a donor wafer including a semiconductor substrate; performing a lithography step and processing the donor wafer; and performing at least two subsequent steps of layer transfer out of the donor wafer, each layer transfer step producing a transferred layer, where each of the transferred layers had been affected by the lithography step, and where each of the transferred layer includes a plurality of transistors with side gates, and where the layer transfer includes an ion-cut, the ion-cut including an ion implant thru the transistors.
US08536021B2
A trap rich layer for an integrated circuit chip is formed by chemical etching and/or laser texturing of a surface of a semiconductor layer. In some embodiments, a trap rich layer is formed by a technique selected from the group of techniques consisting of laser texturing, chemical etch, irradiation, nanocavity formation, porous Si-etch, semi-insulating polysilicon, thermal stress relief and mechanical texturing. Additionally, combinations of two or more of these techniques may be used to form a trap rich layer.
US08536020B2
The invention pertains to a combination of a substrate and a wafer, wherein the substrate and the wafer are arranged parallel to one another and bonded together with the aid of an adhesive layer situated between the substrate and the wafer, and wherein the adhesive is chosen such that its adhesive properties are neutralized or at least diminished when a predetermined temperature is exceeded. According to the invention, the adhesive layer is only applied annularly between the substrate and the wafer in the edge region of the wafer.
US08536014B2
A method for fabricating a device includes forming a silicide layer on a substrate, forming a conductive layer over exposed portions of the substrate and the silicide layer, patterning and removing exposed portions of the conductive layer and the silicide layer with a first process, and patterning and removing exposed portions of the conductive layer with a second process.
US08535999B2
Semiconductor substrate with a deformed gate region and a method for the fabrication thereof. The semiconductor substrate has improved device performance compared to devices without a deformed gate region and decreased dopant loss compared to devices with deformed source/drain regions.
US08535996B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to substrates comprising a base wafer, an insulating layer and a top semiconductor layer, wherein the insulating layer comprises at least a zone wherein a density of charges is in absolute value higher than 1010 charges/cm2. The invention also relates to processes for making such substrates.
US08535991B2
An electrically reprogrammable fuse comprising an interconnect disposed in a dielectric material, a sensing wire disposed at a first end of the interconnect, a first programming wire disposed at a second end of the interconnect, and a second programming wire disposed at a second end of the interconnect, wherein the fuse is operative to form a surface void at the interface between the interconnect and the sensing wire when a first directional electron current is applied from the first programming wire through the interconnect to the second programming wire, and wherein, the fuse is further operative to heal the surface void between the interconnect and the sensing wire when a second directional electron current is applied from the second programming wire through the interconnect to the first programming wire.
US08535986B2
An integrated circuit 15 is placed onto a lead frame 101 having lead fingers 109 of substantially constant thickness along their length. Wires are formed from the lead fingers 109 to corresponding electrical contacts the integrated circuit. Following the wire bonding process, the thickness of the tips of the lead fingers 109 is reduced by a laser process, to form tips of reduced thickness desirable for a subsequent moulding operation. Thus, at the time of the wire bonding the tips of the fingers 109 need not have a gap beneath them, so that more secure wire bonds to the lead fingers 109 can be formed.
US08535984B2
Electronic modules are formed by encapsulating microelectronic dies within cavities in a substrate.
US08535980B2
A process for manufacturing semiconductor packages is provided, that includes drilling blind apertures in a reconstituted wafer, adhering a dry film resist on the wafer over the apertures, and patterning the film to expose a space around each of the apertures. The apertures and spaces are then filled with conductive paste by wiping a quantity of the paste across a surface of the film so that paste is forced into the spaces and apertures. The spaces around the apertures define contact pads whose thickness is constrained by the thickness of the film, preferably to about 10 μm or less. To prevent paste from trapping air pockets in the apertures, the wiping process can be performed in a chamber from which much or all of the air has been evacuated. After curing the paste, the wafer is thinned from the back to expose the cured paste in the apertures.
US08535979B2
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor element substrate including: forming a first photoresist pattern on a first surface of a metallic plate, to form a semiconductor element mounting part, a semiconductor element electrode connection terminal, a wiring, an outer frame part, and a slit; forming a second photoresist pattern on the second surface of the metallic plate; forming the slit by half etching to connect the metallic chip with a four corners of the outer frame part; forming a plurality of concaved parts on the second surface of the metallic plate; forming a resin layer by injecting a resin to the plurality of concaved parts; and etching the first surface of the metallic plate and forming the semiconductor element electrode connection terminal and the outer frame.
US08535976B2
An integrated chip package structure and method of manufacturing the same is by adhering dies on a ceramic substrate and forming a thin-film circuit layer on top of the dies and the ceramic substrate. Wherein the thin-film circuit layer has an external circuitry, which is electrically connected to the metal pads of the dies, that extends to a region outside the active surface of the dies for fanning out the metal pads of the dies. Furthermore, a plurality of active devices and an internal circuitry is located on the active surface of the dies. Signal for the active devices are transmitted through the internal circuitry to the external circuitry and from the external circuitry through the internal circuitry back to other active devices. Moreover, the chip package structure allows multiple dies with different functions to be packaged into an integrated package and electrically connecting the dies by the external circuitry.
US08535975B2
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The OLED display includes a substrate, an active layer and a capacitor lower electrode positioned on the substrate, a gate insulating layer positioned on the active layer and the capacitor lower electrode, a gate electrode positioned on the gate insulating layer at a location corresponding to the active layer, a capacitor upper electrode positioned on the gate insulating layer at a location corresponding to the capacitor lower electrode, a first electrode positioned to be separated from the gate electrode and the capacitor upper electrode, an interlayer insulating layer positioned on the gate electrode, the capacitor upper electrode, and the first electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode positioned on the interlayer insulating layer, and a bank layer positioned on the source and drain electrodes.
US08535972B2
Methods of modifying a patterned semiconductor substrate are presented including: providing a patterned semiconductor substrate surface including a dielectric region and a conductive region; and applying an amphiphilic surface modifier to the dielectric region to modify the dielectric region. In some embodiments, modifying the dielectric region includes modifying a wetting angle of the dielectric region. In some embodiments, modifying the wetting angle includes making a surface of the dielectric region hydrophilic. In some embodiments, methods further include applying an aqueous solution to the patterned semiconductor substrate surface. In some embodiments, the conductive region is selectively enhanced by the aqueous solution. In some embodiments, methods further include providing the dielectric region formed of a low-k dielectric material. In some embodiments, applying the amphiphilic surface modifier modifies an interaction of the low-k dielectric region with a subsequent process.
US08535966B2
A MEMS structure and methods of manufacture. The method includes forming a sacrificial metal layer at a same level as a wiring layer, in a first dielectric material. The method further includes forming a metal switch at a same level as another wiring layer, in a second dielectric material. The method further includes providing at least one vent to expose the sacrificial metal layer. The method further includes removing the sacrificial metal layer to form a planar cavity, suspending the metal switch. The method further includes capping the at least one vent to hermetically seal the planar cavity.
US08535961B1
A method of forming a light emitting diode (LED) package includes mounting a LED structure to a carrier, overmolding the LED structure in a package body, backgrinding the package body to expose the LED structure, removing the carrier, and forming a redistribution layer (RDL) buildup structure comprising a RDL circuit pattern coupled to a LED of the LED structure. The LED package is formed without a substrate in one embodiment. By forming the LED package without a substrate, the thickness of the LED package is minimized. Further, by forming the LED package without a substrate, heat removal from the LED is maximized as is electrical performance. Further still, by forming the LED package without a substrate, the fabrication cost of the LED package is minimized.
US08535960B2
A method for packaging an LED, includes steps: providing a substrate; arranging an LED die on the substrate; forming a photoresist layer on the substrate to cover the LED die; arranging a mask directly on the photoresist layer; exposing the photoresist layer with the mask to a radiation source; removing the mask and the unexposed portion of the photoresist layer formerly sheltered by the mask, thereby leaving the exposed portion of the photoresist layer formerly unsheltered by the mask on the substrate, wherein the remained exposed portion of the photoresist layer surrounds the LED die; spraying fluorescent material toward the LED die surrounded by the remained exposed portion of the photoresist layer; removing the remained exposed portion of the photoresist layer; and finally encapsulating the LED die covered by the fluorescent material.
US08535956B2
A chip attach frame is used to align pins of an integrated circuit chip with pads on a chip carrier. A frame block has a socket defining two alignment edges that form a reference corner. The chip is lowered into the socket, and the chip carrier is inclined while it supports the frame block and chip until the chip moves under force of gravity to the reference corner. Once located at the reference corner, the chip position is carefully adjusted by moving the frame block in the x- and y-directions until the pins are aligned with the pads. The frame block is spring biased against movement in the x- and y-directions, and the position of the frame block is adjusted using thumbscrews. A plunger mechanism can be used to secure the integrated circuit chip in forcible engagement with the chip carrier once the pins are aligned with the pads.
US08535955B2
The present invention relates generally to assembly techniques. According to the present invention, the alignment and probing techniques to improve the accuracy of component placement in assembly are described. More particularly, the invention includes methods and structures to detect and improve the component placement accuracy on a target platform by incorporating alignment marks on component and reference marks on target platform under various probing techniques. A set of sensors grouped in any array to form a multiple-sensor probe can detect the deviation of displaced components in assembly.
US08535951B2
The present disclosure provides a reagent for detection of analyte in a sample and process of preparation of the reagent. The reagent comprises heparin and substrate coated with the analyte-counterpart. The analyte-counterpart of the reagent is capable of binding to said analyte. The present disclosure further provides a process for detection of an analyte in a sample by contacting said sample with said reagent and detecting formation of analyte-analyte counterpart complex. The present disclosure provides a kit for detection of an analyte in a sample.
US08535944B2
The present application describes a method of culturing, expanding or growing stem or stem-like cells or induced pluripotent stem cells on a surface, including attaching the cells to the surface through a ligand that binds to the surface and the cells.
US08535936B2
A flexible vessel for mixing a bioprocessing fluid has contact points or adhesions between its front and back walls to promote and guide flow patters for mixing the contents.
US08535916B2
The invention provides a genetically modified microorganism that acquires the ability to consume a renewable feedstock (such as cellulose) and produce products. This organism can be used to ferment cellulose, one of the most abundant renewable resources available, and produce products.
US08535914B2
The present invention provides a combination of genes useful for information which can be used for the prediction of postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer and the acquisition of the information, a probe detecting these genes and a primer set for PCR, a method for detecting these genes using the primer and the primer set and a method for obtaining the information which can be used for the prediction of recurrence. Information useful for the prediction of postoperative recurrence can be obtained by determining the presence or absence of gastric cancer cells which show a possibility of postoperative recurrence in a sample such as an peritoneal wash collected from a patient by detecting a particular gene specific to gastric cancer cells or a gene product thereof.
US08535907B2
Protein concentrates and protein isolates, in addition to processes for the production of protein concentrates and protein isolates, are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to the removal of fiber from a toasted oilseed meal using low g-force centrifugation.
US08535906B2
The systems and methods described herein are directed toward the use of radiocarbon analysis techniques in the manufacture of biofuel products. Among other things, methods and systems for using measured fossil-fuel-derived carbon content in biofuel products to guide the design and modification of biofuel manufacturing systems are disclosed.
US08535898B2
Substrates for thrombin and assays for determining the level of bioactive thrombin in a sample are disclosed, wherein the substrate has the general formula: A-X—Z-A′ wherein one of either A or A′ comprises a luminescent chelate and the other one of A or A′ comprises a first partner of a binding pair, X forms a tri- or tetra-peptide, and Z comprises a linker.
US08535885B2
The invention is directed to methods for the non-radioactive labeling, detection, quantitation and isolation of nascent proteins translated in a cellular or cell-free translation system. tRNA molecules are misaminoacylated with non-radioactive markers which may be non-native amino acids, amino acid analogs or derivatives, or substances recognized by the protein synthesizing machinery. Markers may comprise cleavable moieties, detectable labels, reporter properties wherein markers incorporated into protein can be distinguished from unincorporated markers, or coupling agents which facilitate the detection and isolation of nascent protein from other components of the translation system. The invention also comprises proteins prepared using misaminoacylated tRNAs which can be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diseases and disorders in humans and other maninials, and kits which may be used for the detection of diseases and disorders.
US08535880B2
The present invention provides a method of extracting an organ- or tissue-specific highly expressed gene, including: (1) a step for measuring expression level of a specified gene group for each organ or tissue in 2 or more individuals, (2) a step for acquiring (a) a minimum value of expression levels in a particular organ or tissue in all individuals, and (b) a maximum value of expression levels in other organs and tissues in all individuals, for each gene, and (3) a step for extracting the gene as a gene highly expressed specifically in the particular organ or tissue if the above-described (a)/(b) ratio is larger than 1. By the present invention, truly organ- or tissue-specific genes are extracted.
US08535879B2
The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a surface structured bulk hydrogel bearing a topographic and chemical pattern, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a primary master having a predetermined topographic pattern, (ii) replicating said primary master by an elastomeric secondary master to obtain a secondary master with said predetermined topographic pattern in its inverse form, (iii) replicating said secondary master by an imprintable curable material of hydrogel precursor molecules which are capable of forming a hydrogel once crosslinked by curing, and crosslinking said material to thereby yield a replica made of cross-linked bulk hydrogel bearing the topographic pattern identical to that of the primary master, and (iv) functionalizing, particularly biofunctionalizing, the bulk hydrogel replica.
US08535873B2
Disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition which has excellent transparency, heat resistance, thermal discoloration resistance, adhesion to a substrate and electrical characteristics, while exhibiting good developability and storage stability. Specifically disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition which contains the following components (A), (B) and (C). (A) a copolymer which contains (a1) hydroxyphenyl (meth)acrylate and (a2) an unsaturated epoxy compound as copolymerization components (B) a novolac resin which contains one or more phenols selected from among dimethylphenol, trimethylphenol, methylpropylphenol, dipropylphenol, butylphenol, methylbutylphenol, dibutylphenol, and 4,4′-dihydroxy-2,2′-diphenylpropane (C) a quinonediazide group-containing compound.
US08535863B2
A photoreceptor including an electroconductive substrate; a photosensitive layer located overlying the electroconductive substrate; and a crosslinked outermost layer located overlying the photosensitive layer and including a crosslinked material and a specific carbazole compound serving as a charge transport material. An image forming apparatus including the photoreceptor; a charger to charge the photoreceptor; an irradiator to irradiate the charged photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image thereon; a developing device to develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer including a toner to form a toner image on the photoreceptor; and a transferring device to transfer the toner image onto a recording material.
US08535857B2
The invention provides a dye-containing negative curable composition containing at least a dye soluble in an organic solvent, a photopolymerization initiator, a photopolymerizable compound containing an amine structure, and an organic solvent; a color filter formed from the dye-containing negative curable composition; a method of producing the color filter; and a solid-state image sensor.
US08535856B2
Cleaning is carried out by using a sulfuric acid type detergent at a resist stripping and cleaning step (step 5) in a semitranslucent portion forming process and a resist stripping and cleaning step (step 10) in a shielding band forming process, and a sulfuric acid removing step of partially or wholly removing a surface layer portion in a pattern into which a sulfate ion is adsorbed is then carried out to effectively remove the adsorbed sulfate ion.
US08535852B2
The present invention provides a hologram recording material and a hologram recording medium that can stably maintain the shape of a recording layer and achieve high diffraction efficiency. A hologram recording material comprising a photoradical polymerizable compound (A), a photopolymerization initiator (B), and a dispersion medium (C). The medium (C) is selected from the group consisting of: a compound of the formula (I): wherein R11 is a divalent C2-4 hydrocarbon group, R12 and R13 each independently represent a C1-10 hydrocarbon group, k, l, m and n are each independently a number of 0 or more and 5 or less; and a compound of the formula (II): wherein R21 represents a divalent C1-6 hydrocarbon group, R22 and R23 each independently represent a C1-12 hydrocarbon group, and at least one of R22 and R23 represents a C5-12 hydrocarbon group.
US08535841B1
Methods for refurbishing components, such as interconnects of a fuel cell stack, include singulating the stack and removing the electrolyte, seals and oxide layer using non-mechanical methods. The various methods of may be used either singly or in combination.
US08535840B2
A self-contained system for the generation of electrical energy from biomass by gasification combines several process units in one self-contained system. The global properties are greater than the sum of the individual properties of the process units.
US08535836B2
Embodiments relate to a fuel cell system. In an embodiment, the fuel cell system includes advanced leak test capabilities. In another embodiment, the fuel cell system includes a system to bypass one or more separation units while permitting the fuel cell system to continue to produce electricity. In another embodiment, the fuel cell system includes an alignment system that permits ease of alignment when a fuel cell module is installed proximate a fuel processing module. In another embodiment, the fuel cell system includes a system of supplying auxiliary fuel from a mobile auxiliary fuel supply. In an embodiment, one or more or all of these embodiments may be practiced together in combination.
US08535826B2
A rechargeable lithium battery includes a positive electrode including a positive active material; a negative electrode including a negative active material; an electrolyte including a lithium salt and a non-aqueous organic solvent; and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes and including a ceramic material having a first metal oxide-containing core and a second metal oxide shell disposed on the surface of the core.
US08535820B2
A battery module including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a direction, and a plurality of barriers, each arranged between battery cells of the plurality of battery cells and including a body unit having at least one opening and facing a face of a battery cell of the battery cells, at least one side unit connected to at least one end of the body unit such that at least a portion of the at least one side unit contacts a side of the battery cell, and at least one fixing unit on the side unit and configured to connect the barrier to an adjacent barrier of the plurality of barriers.
US08535810B2
A transparent plastic film for screening electromagnetic waves includes a transparent film substrate and a layer system comprising at least one silver layer and two niobium oxide layers. The silver layer is embedded between the two niobium oxide layers.
US08535809B2
Provided is an electrical insulating resin composition capable of forming an electrical insulating layer which has excellent flexibility and board adhesiveness, together with high thermal resistance and high humidity resistance, tolerates a high temperature treatment at soldering and can be stably used for a long time under a harsh environment with high temperature and vibration in an automobile. A resin composition containing as organic components at least a rubber like polymer compound (A) composed of a copolymer of an aromatic vinyl compound and a conjugated diene compound and a polymerizable monomer (B) having one or more terminal reactive double bonds is employed as the electrical insulating resin composition. The compound (A) may be partially hydrogenated. The composition may optionally contain an oligomer (C) having a ring structure and having a reactive unsaturated bond in the molecule thereof.
US08535806B2
Medical devices having bonded joints are disclosed. The bonded joints include two surfaces bonded by a layer of phenoxy resin therebetween. In the preferred embodiments, bonded surfaces include materials that are suitable for medical devices. Most preferably, Nitinol includes at least one bonded surface, however, other preferred materials may include, but are not limited to cobalt chromium, stainless steel, titanium, tantalum, and plastic. An intraluminal device including a plurality of locations with a phenoxy resin layer is also disclosed wherein the phenoxy resin further includes a radioopaque additive, a lubricious additive, or both radioopaque and lubricious additives. Also disclosed is an intraluminal device having contiguous heterogeneous structural elements of metallic members and non-metallic sections that are bonded together by a layer of phenoxy resin therebetween.
US08535795B2
The present disclosure provides multicoat systems exhibiting ultraviolet (UV) stability after ultraviolet exposure and moisture exposure. The systems comprise at least one primer (G), at least one pigmented coating (P) disposed on a surface of the primer, and at least one ultraviolet (UV) absorber which has an absorption maximum of at least 370 nm. The pigmented coating (P) may be comprised of two or more coatings (P1), (P2) to (Pn). The multicoat systems may also comprise a transparent coating material (T) to form a transparent coating (K). The present multicoat systems demonstrate ultraviolet stability, reduced delamination of the pigmented coat from the primer and are available in a variety of shades for use in the finishing, refinishing and coating of component parts.The present disclosure also provides for a process for producing the multicoat system, and provides for the use of the system.
US08535777B2
The invention relates to a multilayered material sheet comprising a consolidated stack of unidirectional monolayers of drawn ultra high molecular weight polyolefine. The draw direction of two subsequent monolayers in the stack differs. Moreover the thickness of at least one monolayer does not exceed 50 μm, and the strength of at least one monolayer is comprised between 1.2 GPa and 3 GPa. The invention also relates to a ballistic resistant article comprising the multilayered material sheet and to a process for the preparation of the ballistic resistant article.
US08535774B2
Disclosed is a release sheet including a substrate and a resin layer formed on the substrate. The resin layer includes: 100 parts by mass of an acid-modified polyolefin resin including an acid-modifying component in a content of 1 to 10% by mass; and 1 to 50 parts by mass of a crosslinking agent and/or 5 to 1000 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol. The crosslinking agent is composed of a carbodiimide compound and/or an oxazoline compound.
US08535771B2
An apparatus for generating electrical energy includes at least one generator connected to a drive device. The drive device includes at least one guide element for transforming the energy of a flowing medium into a rotational movement. The guide element is arranged in the flow path of the heated exhaust air coming from at least one heat exchanger.
US08535766B2
A method for patterning a magnetic thin film on a substrate includes: providing a pattern about the magnetic thin film, with selective regions of the pattern permitting penetration of energized ions of one or more elements. Energized ions are generated with sufficient energy to penetrate selective regions and a portion of the magnetic thin film adjacent the selective regions. The substrate is placed to receive the energized ions. The portions of the magnetic thin film are rendered to exhibit a magnetic property different than selective other portions. A method for patterning a magnetic media with a magnetic thin film on both sides of the media is also disclosed.
US08535765B2
A method of producing a low-molecular luminous material dispersant having: inserting a coat agent in gas phase and an inner gas into a vacuum atmosphere, wherein the coat agent has a strong affinity for a solvent when the coat agent is in liquid phase; heating and vaporizing a low-molecular luminous material in the vacuum atmosphere so as to obtain a mix gas comprising the low-molecular luminous material and inner gas; cooling the mix gas so as to obtain a coat agent in liquid phase; and recovering the coat agent in liquid phase and adding the coat agent in liquid phase into the solvent so as to obtain the low-molecular luminous material dispersant.
US08535762B2
A threaded joint for pipes includes a pin member and a box member, the pin member having an external thread configured to correspond to an internal thread of the box member, a thread form of the internal and external threads having generally dovetail-shaped profile with stab flanks and load flanks and flat roots and crests, wherein the internal threads are increasing in width in one direction on the box and the external threads are increasing in width in the other direction on the pin, so the roots, crests, and flanks of the threads move together and form seals that resist the flow of fluids between the seals. The threaded joint further includes a fluoropolymer-based coating applied to specific regions of the internal and external threads and a resin coating disposed in regions of the internal and external threads that are devoid of the fluoropolymer-based coating, wherein the fluoropolymer-based coating and the resin coating are configured to form a layer of substantially uniform thickness on the overall surface of the internal and external threads.
US08535753B2
Methods of forming carbon nanotubes include forming a catalytic metal layer on a sidewall of an electrically conductive region, such as a metal or metal nitride pattern. A plurality of carbon nanotubes are grown from the catalytic metal layer. These carbon nanotubes can be grown from a sidewall of the catalytic metal layer. The plurality of carbon nanotubes are then exposed to an organic solvent. This step of exposing the carbon nanotubes to the organic solvent may be preceded by a step of applying centrifugal forces to the plurality of carbon nanotubes. Alternatively, the exposing step may include applying a centrifugal force to the plurality of carbon nanotubes while simultaneously exposing the plurality of carbon nanotubes to an organic solvent.
US08535750B2
There is disclosed a granular lecithin and the use in many applications, such as nutraceutical compositions. Also disclosed is a process for producing granular lecithins and compositions containing lecithins.
US08535741B2
This invention relates to a method and composition for providing in various health benefits by administering various bioactive compounds derived from the plant Morinda cirtrifolia to individuals. This invention relates to using one or more of the following: Noni Leaf Extract; Noni Leaf Juice; and/or Roast Leaf More particularly this invention relates to administering one or more of the following: Pyro-phorbide a, Pheophorbide a, Purpin 7, and/or Pheophorbide all which may be derived from Noni leaf extract, Noni leaf juice, and/or Roast leaf Moreover, the foregoing formulations result in alleviating pain and inflammation.
US08535739B2
A plant-based cleaning agent for household use designed to produce optimal cleaning results. This product is comprised of pigeon pea extract and distilled water. To create the proper mixture, 12 g of pigeon pea leaves may be cut up and placed in a beaker, wherein the pigeon pea leaves homogenize with 2000 ml of distilled water. The mixture is centrifuged at 8,000 rpm for ten minutes. The pellet is then discarded and the extract is stored at approximately 4 degrees C. for about forty-eight hours. Stability is achieved by putting the extract through a 0.45 um filter. For use, consumers spray the sparkle essence product onto a desired glass surface and wipe away with a cloth or paper towel.
US08535727B2
A biodegradable delivery system for actives such as pharmaceutical drugs. The delivery system includes actives infused into the capsid of a purified plant virus. The loaded capsids are embedding in electrospun biodegradable polymer fibers, forming a nonwoven fabric.
US08535725B2
The present invention includes compositions of porous-wall hollow glass microspheres and one or more biomolecules, wherein the one or more biomolecules are positioned within a void location within the hollow glass microsphere, and the use of such compositions for the diagnostic and/or therapeutic delivery of biomolecules.
US08535720B2
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for producing particles via supercritical fluid processing. In one embodiment, the method includes expanding a supercritical fluid plasticized melt across a pressure drop to form solid composite particles that are simultaneously dispersed, foamed and cooled, and milling the solid particles produced to achieve the desired size distribution. In another embodiment, a pressure vessel containing a supercritical fluid plasticized melt is depressurized to form a cooled solid porous mass, which is then milled to obtain solid composite particles.
US08535715B2
The present invention relates to bilayer tablet formulations comprising metformin extended release (XR) or reduced mass metformin XR formulation as the first layer, an SGLT2 inhibitor formulation as the second layer, and optionally a film coating. The present invention provides methods of preparing the bilayer tablet formulations and methods of treating diseases or disorders associated with SGLT2 activity employing the bilayer tablet formulations.
US08535714B2
Compositions, systems and methods for administration of small volume sufentanil drug dosage forms via the oral transmucosal route of a subject for treatment of pain.
US08535713B2
An oral cyclosporin composition comprises minicapsules having a core containing a cyclosporin, especially cyclosporin A in a solubilized liquid form. The minicapsules have a release profile to release the pre-solubilized cyclosporin, at least in the colon. The composition may be used for treating a range of intestinal diseases [FIG. 10].
US08535711B2
The potential for environmental release of unused and expired medications is reduced by the provision of a system and method for combining the unused or expired medication with an amount of activated carbon as part of a disposal procedure.
US08535703B2
Methods of arthroscopic resurfacing of anatomical tissue utilizing a biological component strengthened with glue or similar material. The biological component is selected from the group consisting of blood, blood components, PRP, bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and autologous conditioned plasma (ACP). The biological component/glue composition may be inserted (by injection and/or by employing a biologic resurfacing mold, for example) into, or in the vicinity of, the anatomical tissue. Upon insertion within, or contact with, the anatomical tissue, the biological component/glue composition is designed to coagulate and solidify (or partially solidify) within minutes, to advance healing or tissue growth of the anatomical tissue. The biological component/glue composition may optionally comprise components such as growth factors, antiseptic chemicals and/or antibiotics and/or electrolytes, or hormones or site-specific hybrid proteins, among others.
US08535697B2
Provided are a cosmetic composition which is an O1/W/O2 emulsion composition and contains, in the oil phases O1 and O2 thereof, fine metal oxide particles having ultraviolet screening ability; and a preparation process of the cosmetic composition.
US08535684B2
A method for identifying host genes and encoded proteins for potential targets for therapeutic intervention employs a Gene Search Vector that is either lentivirus or MMLV-based, and can be used to interrogate an entire cell genome without prior knowledge of the genomic sequence. This Random Homozygous Gene Perturbation (RUGP) technique is rapidly verifiable and is used to identify potential host targets for intervention for influenza, HIV and other viral infections. Using Thermal Assymetric Interlaced (TAIL)-PCR, the period for identification of promising targets is reduced from months to weeks or less. Specific targets including PTCH1, Robo1 and Nedd4 are reviewed in detail.
US08535681B2
A drug composition comprising a charged moiety coupled to a therapeutic compound is disclosed. The charged moiety is configured to interact with at least one type of component of opposite charge in a biological tissue to create an in situ depot for prolonged drug delivery. The biological tissue may be eye tissue or any tissue containing charged components. Further, a method of treating the human body is disclosed. The method is for introducing into a human body a drug composition comprising a charged moiety coupled to a therapeutic compound. Introduction may be through injection. A method of manufacturing a drug composition comprising a charged moiety coupled to a therapeutic compound is also disclosed.
US08535672B2
Disclosed are methods and compositions for the inhibition of modulation of T cell costimulatory pathway by a pathogenic agent, particularly, the inhibition of activation of a T cell costimulatory pathway, preferably, the CD28/B7 pathway, by a pyrogenic exotoxin. The method of the invention is based on the inhibition of the direct interaction of a superantigen with a specific site within the dimer interface of a CD28 family member, using immunomodulatory peptides. Further disclosed are specific antagonist immunomodulatory peptides comprising an amino acid sequence derived from a dimer interface of a T cell co-stimulatory pathway member, or peptides which comprise an amino acid sequence which specifically binds to an amino acid sequence within the dimer interface of a T cell co-stimulatory pathway member. Compositions comprising said peptides and methods for the treatment of immune-related disorders are also disclosed.Also disclosed is the use of the CD28 molecule or any fragment thereof comprising the sAg binding site in a method of screening for a test substance which specifically binds to the CD28 molecule and is capable of antagonizing pyrogenic exotoxin-mediated activation of Th1 lymphocytes.
US08535667B2
The present invention provides for purified or highly pure recombinant monoclonal antibodies that bind to human colorectal and pancreatic carcinoma-associated antigens (CPAA), along with nucleic acid sequences encoding the antibody chains, and the amino acid sequences corresponding to said nucleic acids and uses for said sequences.
US08535663B2
The invention is directed to treatment of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions associated with changes of qualitative and/or quantitative composition of blood extracellular DNA and treatment of systemic DNA mutation diseases accompanied with development of somatic mosaicism and elevation of blood extracellular DNA. The inventive method comprises introducing a DNASE enzyme into the systemic blood circulation of a patient in doses and regimens which are sufficient to decrease average molecular weight of circulating extracellular blood DNA in the blood of said patient.
US08535662B2
This invention provides new methods of treating subjects experiencing or at risk of bleeding due to vascular injury, especially to the microvasculature and/or platelet desensitization. Examples of injury usefully treated by apyrase agents are pathophysiological conditions, ischemia reperfusion injury, injury from pharmacologic agents such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, antithrombotics, thrombolytics, and/or immunosuppressants, and injury resulting from transplantation. Apyrase agents are also useful to maintain organ function when said organs are transplanted into an allogeneic recipient.
US08535660B1
The present invention relates to different nutritional supplements to be administered to, or taken by, pregnant women during the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
US08535659B1
The present invention relates to different nutritional supplements to be administered to, or taken by, pregnant women during the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
US08535657B2
The present invention is related to stable pharmaceutical formulations to be applied by parenteral (liquids or freeze-dried), or topic way (gel, unguent or cream) that contain different quantities of the recombinant interferons gamma and alpha in synergistic proportions for the treatment of pathological events that contemplate the malignant or benign not-physiological growth of cells in tissue or organs.
US08535653B2
An article for sequential dispensing of vapors, notably evaporable fragrances, comprises separated first and second liquids (22, 24). Liquid (22) issues first. Its evaporation may be assisted by a wick (26). The simultaneous evaporation of the second liquid is prevented by an intermediate liquid phase (20). As liquid (22) issues the liquid levels change and there comes a point at which the intermediate phase can no longer prevent the second liquid (24) from flowing past it, to the region from which it can be evaporated. Solids, especially gels, may be employed instead of liquids (22, 24).
US08535645B2
A particle including at least one aliphatic polymer having anti-microbially active quaternary ammonium groups chemically bound thereto, is provided. The particle may be used to inhibit populations of microorganisms and biofilms. Also provided are methods for the preparation of such particles and uses thereof for the inhibition of microorganisms.
US08535641B2
The present invention provides methods and uses of phospholipid ether analogs as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for numerous cancers.
US08535640B1
The invention discloses a composition of nanoparticles composed of positively charged chitosan, one negatively charged substrate, and optionally a zero-charge compound or at least one tumor necrosis factor inhibitor for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.
US08535633B2
Process for the production of doped metal oxide particles, wherein the doping component is present on the surface in the form of domains, wherein in a first reaction zone, an oxidizable and/or —hydrolysable metal compound as dopant together with an atomization gas is atomized into a flow of metal oxide particles in a carrier gas, wherein the mass flow of the metal oxide particles und —the mass flow of the dopant are selected such that the doped metal oxide particles contain 10 ppm to 10 wt. % of the doping component, where the quantity of dopant to be introduced is calculated as the corresponding oxide, and wherein the temperature in the first reaction zone is —selected such that it is below the boiling temperature of the dopant under the prevailing reaction conditions, and then, in a second reaction zone, the flow from the first —reaction zone and optionally at least as much oxygen and/or steam are —introduced that the quantity of oxygen and/or steam at least suffices completely to convert the dopant, wherein the temperature is from 300 to 2000° C., —preferably 500 to 1000° C., and the reaction mixture is then cooled or allowed to cool and the doped metal oxide particles are separated from the gaseous substances.
US08535628B2
To overcome the problem of a conventional catalyst and to provide an exhaust gas purifying catalyst that meets the requirement concerning Hg oxidation activity and SO2 oxidation activity; i.e., an exhaust gas purifying catalyst which specifically reduces percent SO2 oxidation, while maintaining percent Hg oxidation at a high level.The invention provides an exhaust gas purifying catalyst which comprises a composition containing oxides of (i) titanium (Ti), (ii) molybdenum (Mo) and/or tungsten (W), (iii) vanadium (V), and (iv) phosphorus (P), wherein the catalyst contains Ti, Mo and/or W, and V in atomic proportions of 85 to 97.5:2 to 10: 0.5 to 10, and has an atomic ratio of P/(sum of V and Mo and/or W) of 0.5 to 1.5, and an exhaust gas purifying method comprising exposing an exhaust gas containing a nitrogen oxide (NOX) and metallic mercury (Hg) to the catalyst in the presence of ammonia as a reducing agent, to thereby perform reduction of NOX contained in the exhaust gas and oxidation of metallic mercury (Hg) contained in the exhaust gas.
US08535627B1
The present invention is directed at ketone/water mixtures for treating gas mixtures containing nitric oxides (NOx). The chemical reduction of NOx by the ketone/water mixture affords a relatively less objectionable combustion waste product for discharge into the atmosphere. The gas mixture for treatment of the ketone/water mixture may be preferably regulated to have a level of oxygen of at or below 5.0 vol. %.
US08535624B2
A diagnostic system with a handling system that has a loading bay to receive and hold a plurality of carriers. An identification device is configured to identify an identifying feature of the carriers to determine the type of contents loaded on each carrier. A transporter transports the carriers from the loading bay to a first or second location depending on the determined type of contents on each carrier. The transporter has random access to the plurality of carriers in the loading bay. A diagnostic process is conducted using the contents. A carrier, such a for reagents, has one or more holding portions, at least one of which can be moved or rotated with respect to the body of the carrier for mixing or stirring the contents of a container coupled therewith. Also, a retention member can be associated with a positioning device, such as a carousel, to lock and unlock the carrier with respect thereto.
US08535620B2
A method of filling a liquid sample includes: supplying the liquid sample to a first well of a biochip; adhering a cover and the substrate of the biochip in a loop-shaped area surrounding the first well and plural second wells on the substrate; moving the liquid sample from the first well to the second wells through a space between the cover and the substrate by rotating the biochip around a rotation axis in a state in which the biochip is arranged such that a distance from any one of the second wells to the rotation axis in a vertical direction with respect to the rotation axis is longer than a distance from the first well to the rotation axis in the vertical direction with respect to the rotation axis; and sealing the first well and the second wells by adhering the cover to the substrate to thereby seal.
US08535617B2
A lateral flow device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. More specifically, the lateral flow device contains a porous membrane that defines a barrier zone for separating red blood cells from blood plasma (includes plasma in which clotting factors haven been removed), which may then flow to a subsequent detection zone for analysis. The barrier zone is formed from a blood cell barrier composition that includes an unsaturated aliphatic fatty acid or an ester thereof. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe such unsaturated aliphatic fatty acid molecules undergo autoxidation in the presence of air and hemoglobin to release peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) via oxidative saturation of double bonds. In turn, the released peroxides are believed to induce the formation of echinocytes or crenated blood cells. The crenated red blood cells are distorted in shape and less flexible and malleable than normal red blood cells, making them less able to penetrate into the pores of the porous membrane of the lateral flow device. Consequently, the stiffer, less flexible cells cannot move easily into the porous and become trapped at the surface of the membrane, while the liquid components of the sample flow and penetrate through the membrane to the detection zone for analysis.
US08535599B1
An improved lightweight container incorporates a thinner wall structure in an essentially octagonal container having a bottom member, a plurality of sidewalls, a spout, an upwardly converging neck member coupling the sidewalls of the spout, a handle molded into the container and a radiused transiting section between the sidewalls and the spout which eliminates weakened corner sections and improves overall strength to weight ratios.
US08535593B2
Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing, nucleating agents, or both are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct that is completely amorphous or that has a very low crystallinity is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. Alternatively, the polymer construct includes nucleating agent. The crystallinity of the polymer construct is increased with a high nucleation density through an increase in temperature, deformation, or both. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the increase in crystallinity.
US08535588B2
Clipping both right and left side edge parts of a sheet or film by right and left pitch-variable clips having flow-directional clip pitches variable along with travel movements, respectively, having positions (AR, AL) for initiation of enlargements of flow-directional clip pitches changed between right clips and left clips, and enlarging flow-directional clip pitches along with travel movements of clips to thereby make an oblique stretch.
US08535583B2
The invention relates to a hydraulic binder product [12, 10] which includes a mixture of a hydraulic binder [38, 202], a polyvinyl alcohol [14, 204] and a gelling agent [54] which reacts with the polyvinyl alcohol and a method [8] of producing same.
US08535554B2
A process for forming thermoelectric nanoparticles includes the steps of providing a core material and a bismuth containing compound in a reverse micelle; providing a tellurium containing compound either in or not in a reverse micelle; reacting the bismuth containing compound with the tellurium containing compound in the presence of a base, forming a composite thermoelectric nanoparticle having a core and shell structure.
US08535550B2
Disclosed herein is a shape simulation apparatus including: a flux computation block configured to compute the flux of particles incident on the surface of a wafer covered with a mask; and a shape computation block configured to compute a surface shape of the wafer by allowing the coordinates of a plurality of calculation points established on the surface of the wafer to be time-evolved based on the incident flux computed.
US08535530B2
Liquid filter arrangements are described and shown. The arrangements generally include a filter head, a seal adaptor, and a filter member comprising a shell enclosing a cartridge. Unique features for interface between the filter cartridge and the filter head are provided. Also provided are unique filter head features and cartridge features.
US08535517B2
The present invention relates to a method for treating various waste petroleum into eco-friendly solid so that leaching of oil would not occur. The method of the present invention can treat radioactive waste petroleum as well as various waste petroleum, thereby stabilizing waste petroleum chemically and physically, wherein the method comprises mixing waste petroleum with a sulfuric acid and a nitric acid; adding sodium hydroxide, thereby carrying out a polymerization reaction to produce solid particles; colloidizing a mixture obtained by uniformly stirring the solid particles; adding a diisocyanate compound in reactor, thereby carrying out a subsequent polymerization reaction to obtain a new compound in the form of powder; discharging a generated gas into the atmosphere; and filling the powder into a resin as a filling material and compression molding and reclaiming the filled powder.
US08535515B2
The invention relates to a hydroconversion catalyst, which comprises a refractory oxide support, at least one metal selected from group VIII and at least one metal selected from group VIB and which is characterized in that it has at least one organic compound containing at least one oxime group of formula (I)>C═NOR1, in which R1 is selected among hydrogen and alkyl, allyl, aryl, alkylene or cycloaliphatic groups, and combinations thereof, these groups being able to be substituted by at least one electron donor group.
US08535512B2
Methods and devices for sequencing nucleic acids are disclosed herein. Devices are also provided herein for measuring DNA with nano-pores sized to allow DNA to pass through the nano-pore. The capacitance can be measured for the DNA molecule passing through the nano-pore. The capacitance measurements can be correlated to determine the sequence of base pairs passing through the nano-pore to sequence the DNA.
US08535503B2
The device comprises first and second contact pads having a contact surface. The first and second contact pads move with respect to one another between an ohmic contact position between these contact surfaces and another position. The device further comprises means for applying a non-uniform electric field around the first contact pad. The electric field has a component in a direction parallel to the contact surface of the first contact pad. A fluid with a first dielectric permittivity value is arranged between the first contact pad and the decontamination electrode. The decontamination device and the fluid are configured in such a way that the electric field generates a force directed towards the decontamination electrode on a contaminant, by dielectrophoresis.
US08535500B2
Provided herein is a surface acoustic wave (“SAW”) sensor device including an isolation component of a target biomolecule. A sample containing the target biomolecule is separated by its size using electrophoresis, and sequentially reacts with a SAW sensor. In other words, the device is capable of detecting the target biomolecule by separating biomolecules using electrophoresis, and applying the separated biomolecules to the SAW sensor.
US08535493B2
The Miami Max Hydro consists of a cylinder, with an inlet and outlet, contains two disks at one end, one having a positive charge, the other having a negative charge, as dictated by the electrode it is attached to. They do not touch. One is placed over the other and secured to it via a non-conductive material. The inner disk, herein named DISK B, has bored holes, lined with a non-conductive material, to allow passage of the rods that are attached to the outer disk, herein named Disk A, from touching Disk B and short-circuiting the cell. The number of rods of the two disks is adjustable, from two to infinite. Water passes through the cell while a positive and negative charge is applied to each electrode respectively. The electrical current vibrates the rods at a frequency that breaks the hydrogen-oxygen bond. The hydrogen is then harnessed for energy.
US08535487B2
A process for purifying an aqueous stream from a Fischer-Tropsch reaction that includes feeding the aqueous stream to a system that includes a distillation column equipped with a partial condenser and a total condenser, at least partially condensing the vaporized stream leaving the head of the distillation column and collecting a first distillate in which in heavier by-products, totally condensing the remaining portion of the vaporized stream leaving the partial condenser and collecting a liquid stream which is returned to the distillation column as a reflux and removing a purified aqueous stream from the bottom of the distillation column.
US08535478B2
The present invention relates to a high-performance silicone elastomer composition that is adhesive and that can be crosslinked at high temperature for the assembly of silicone-based substrates, both by platinum and peroxide catalysis, and that may lend itself to a strip conformation. The composition comprises at least one gum, one catalyst and one adhesion promoter of polyorganohydrogensiloxane type, the nature and the amount of said adhesion promoter having been chosen so that Si—H groups are in excess following the reaction for crosslinking the composition, so as to obtain a potential surface density of covalent Si— bonds with the silicone substrate to be bonded of at least one covalent Si— bond per 60 nm2.
US08535470B2
A mold for shaping a baseball or softball is constructed from two identical figure of 8 shaped mold pieces which correspond to an outside shape of a ball. The two mold pieces are made from flexible materials such as rubber, silicone or plastic resin, fit onto each other to form the outside shape of the ball. Joining areas of the two mold pieces have joining edges, and on inside sides of the joining edges on interior surfaces of the two mold pieces grooves are set which form a raised sewn section on a surface of the ball cover, and a material inlet and air outlet are formed where the two mold pieces join.
US08535466B2
Polymer structures and methods for making such polymer structures are provided. More particularly, polymer structures comprising a hydroxyl polymer structure, such as a fiber comprising a hydroxyl polymer are provided. Even more particularly, fibrous structures comprising a hydroxyl polymer structure, such as a fiber comprising a hydroxyl polymer, wherein the fibrous structure exhibits a CETM Factor of less than 20 and/or a CETM*L2 Factor of less than 950 are provided.
US08535461B1
A method and apparatus are provided for installing types of broadcast fumigation film, such as LDPE, HDPE, TIF and VIF, over a field treated with a fumigant. An elongate first film strip is extended across the field, with simultaneous fumigant injection under the film and a melted hot glue adhesive is applied to the first strip along a trailing longitudinal edge thereof. An elongate second film strip is applied across the field and juxtaposed across the first film strip with a leading longitudinal edge of the second film strip overlapping the trailing longitudinal edge of the first strip. The leading longitudinal edge of the second strip is pressed against trailing longitudinal edge of the first strip to adhesively interengage the first and second strips along a seam that joins the strips together.
US08535454B2
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass polymer compositions that are useful in the assembly of microelectronic components onto a variety of substrate materials. Such polymer compositions providing for both holding the microelectronic components at desired positions on a substrate, providing fluxing for the solder bonding of such components to the substrate and remaining in place as an underfill for such components.
US08535440B1
The method of the invention promotes single crystal growth during fabrication of melt growth semiconductors. A growth ampoule and its tip have a semiconductor source material placed therein. The growth ampoule is placed in a first thermal environment that raises the temperature of the semiconductor source material to its liquidus temperature. The growth ampoule is then transitioned to a second thermal environment that causes the semiconductor source material in the growth ampoule's tip to attain a temperature that is below the semiconductor source material's solidus temperature. The growth ampoule so-transitioned is then mechanically perturbed to induce single crystal growth at the growth ampoule's tip.
US08535433B2
The present invention provides a sulphur cement precomposition, comprising sulphur and at least a polysulphide-containing organosilane in an amount of at least 0.3 wt % based on the weight of the total composition, which polysulphide-containing organosilane is of the general molecular formula: (X3Si)mH(2n+l−m)Cn-Sa-Cn′H(2n′+l−m′)(SiX′3)m′ wherein a is an integer in the range of from 2 to 8, X and X′ each are, independently, a hydrolysable group, n and n′ each are, independently, an integer in the range of from 1 to 4, and m and m′ each are, independently, an integer in the range of from 1 to (2n+1).
US08535423B2
Methods of purifying hydrogen-containing materials are described. The methods may include the steps of providing a purifier material comprising silica. The silica may be heated at temperature of about 100° C. or more in a dry atmosphere to form activated silica. The activated silica may be contacted with a starting hydrogen-containing material, where the activated silica reduces a concentration of one or more impurity from the starting hydrogen-containing material to form the purified hydrogen-containing material, and where the activated silica does not decompose the purified hydrogen-containing material.
US08535417B2
Carbon dioxide-containing gas such as flue gas and a carbon dioxide-rich stream are compressed and the combined streams are then treated to desorb moisture onto adsorbent beds and then subjected to subambient-temperature processing to produce a carbon dioxide product stream and a vent stream. The vent stream is treated to produce a carbon dioxide-depleted stream which can be used to desorb moisture from the beds, and a carbon dioxide-rich stream which is combined with the carbon dioxide-containing gas.
US08535410B1
The present invention is directed to a process for injecting iron oxide particles into a blast furnace through a pulverized coal injection (PCI) system, the injected particles causing a reduction in hot metal temperature, the injection process continuing and maintaining a target cooled hot metal temperature, the target hot metal tapped to provide a cooled hot metal charge in a BOF converter, the cooled hot metal charge decreasing BOF heat time and increasing BOF steel production.
US08535404B2
A filter for an electronics cooling unit of a telecommunications base station, the electronics cooling unit adapted to receive fresh air into a housing of the cooling unit through an opening communicating with the external environment. The filter includes a structural support configured to be mounted to said housing, a gasket sealingly engaging the structural support and adapted to engage the housing; and a filter media supported by the structural support, the filter media being free of a membrane type layer and including a fiber entanglement selected to prevent ingress of water sufficient to pass a salt fog test consistent with GR-487-CORE and in accordance with ASTM B 117.
US08535403B2
A filter assembly, including an air cleaner assembly for an internal combustion engine in an underhood engine compartment, includes a mounting bracket with a flow passage therethrough. In one form, a combination air filter element and base is provided for an air cleaner assembly. In a further form, a filter assembly includes a filter element integrally and permanently mounted to the base for removal and replacement as a single unit.
US08535402B2
A particle reduction system and method is disclosed having an air stream accelerator, a feeder assembly, a variable speed wheel lock operably associated with the feeder assembly for releasing raw material into a conveying air stream created by the positive displacement pump, and a particle conditioning assembly. The raw material is carried by the conveying air stream through the particle conditioning assembly, where particle of the material are collided with each other for the purpose of reducing the size of the particles. In some embodiments, a non-thermal drying system can be used to extract moisture from the raw material. The moisture/solids separation occurs, in large part, due to a head-on collision of two conveying air streams. The collision creates a large squeezing force, much higher than a centrifuge or filter. This impact squeezing acts to squeeze the moisture out of the raw material.
US08535390B1
A traction device for a prosthetic running foot having a curved profile and mechanisms for attaching the traction device to the prosthetic running foot are provided. The traction device includes a sole portion for traction and a midsole for improved rollover. The traction device has fasteners (e.g., clamps) that attach to the top of the prosthetic running foot or a cavity that removably receives the toe of the prosthetic running foot. The traction device also has a strap that removably couples to a clip permanently or removably attached to the top surface of the prosthetic running foot.
US08535388B2
The present invention relates to a novel bone graft and methods for producing said graft. Said bone graft can be used for surgical, plastic and/or cosmetic bone replacement for a patient in need thereof. The bone graft is made of a scaffold or matrix of sheet material having a 3-dimensional pattern of a continuous network of voids and/or indentations for enhancing new bone growth.
US08535364B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparati and associated methods for an easy on-off device to support and provide direct therapeutic cooling relief to the affected genitalia of persons having post-operative pain and swelling.
US08535363B1
A facial heating pad device provides a dry heating pad producing dry, hot heat and an opposed moist heating pad producing moist warm heat. The device includes a face pad, a power supply operationally coupled to the face pad, and a control unit. The control unit is operationally coupled to the face pad and the power supply for selectively providing power to heat the face pad. The face pad includes a dry heating portion operationally coupled to the control unit for selectively providing dry heat when the dry heating portion is heated by the power supply. The face pad also includes a moist heating portion operationally coupled to the control unit for selectively providing moist heat when the moist heating portion is heated by the power supply.
US08535359B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus for Near Infrared Microbial Elimination Laser Systems (NIMELS) including use with medical devices are disclosed. The medical devices can be situated in vivo. Suitable medical devices include catheters, stents, artificial joints, and the like. NIMELS methods, systems, and apparatus can apply near infrared radiant energy of certain wavelengths and dosimetries capable of impairing biological contaminants without intolerable risks and/or adverse effects to biological moieties other than a targeted biological contaminant associated with traditional approaches described in the art (e.g., loss of viability, or thermolysis). Lasers including diode lasers may be used for one or more light sources. A delivery assembly can be used to deliver the optical radiation produced by the source(s) produced to an application region that can include patient tissue. Exemplary embodiments utilize light in a range of 850 nm-900 nm and/or 905 nm-945 nm at suitable NIMELS dosimetries.
US08535354B2
A bone plate locking system including a threaded screw body having a proximal end and a distal end and a plate with a through-hole. The proximal end includes a head. The head includes an upper portion, a groove adjacent the upper portion and a lower portion adjacent the groove, wherein a center-axis of the groove is off-axis to a center-axis of the threaded screw body. A locking ring configured to reside within the groove of the head. The through-hole includes an upper portion, a groove adjacent the upper portion and a lower portion adjacent the groove. The head is receivable in the through-hole. The locking ring is rotatably positioned around the groove of the head such that in an unlocked position the locking ring is outside the groove of the through-hole and in a locked position the locking ring is at least partially within the groove of the through-hole.
US08535353B2
An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.
US08535348B1
The surgical needle holder includes two elongated arms having scissor finger loops on one end and a pair of needle gripping jaws on the opposite end. The elongated arms are pivotally attached to each other. Δ first jaw is pivotally mounted via an actuator rod interconnecting the first jaw to one of the arms, opening and closing with respect to the second jaw as the elongated arms pivot with respect to each other. The jaws are designed to grip a surgical needle when in the closed position. Ratchet lock members attached to the elongated arms lock the jaws in the closed position in a manner similar to the locking of a hemostat. Mechanical configuration of the needle holder allows motion of the needles to be along any plane parallel to the longitudinal axle of the device while the surgeon's hand is in a neutral position.
US08535332B2
A plunger for an IOL injector device includes a shaft with a distal tip and a compressible sleeve positioned about the shaft with the tip extending forwardly of the sleeve. In a first stage of IOL advancement through the injector device, the plunger tip engages and pushes the IOL through a first section of the injector body. In a second stage of IOL advancement, the sleeve enters the narrowing section of the injector body toward the open tip thereof with the IOL and sleeve both undergoing compression. The sleeve compresses and lengthens in a forward direction ultimately enveloping the plunger distal tip. Viscoelastic applied inside the injector accumulates between the leading edge of the compressed sleeve and the compressed IOL thereby creating hydraulic pressure which pushes the compressed IOL through the remainder of the injector body and out the open distal tip thereof.
US08535331B2
A device for injecting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye, the device having an injector body including a lumen and an open tip wherethrough the IOL is expressed from the device. An IOL loading bay is located in the passageway wherein the IOL is positioned and compressed. The injector tip is dimensioned to allow the surgeon to choose an insertion depth between first, second and third transition points defined on the tip, the first and second transition points having a larger diameter than the third transition point which is located closer to the open tend of the tip. If the surgeon wishes to insert through a very small incision size (e.g., about 2.4 mm), the surgeon will insert the tip only up to the third transition point. The injector is stable during delivery of the IOL therethrough due to a spreading of the tip within the eye which effectively anchors the tip during IOL delivery.
US08535311B2
An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed to capture tissue therebetween. The handle can comprise a closure drive for closing the jaws and a firing drive which can be actuated independently of the closure drive. In various embodiments, a single trigger can be utilized to actuate both the closure drive and the firing drive, wherein a first range of motion of the trigger can actuate the closure drive and a second range of motion of the trigger can actuate the firing drive.
US08535309B2
System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a radial opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curveable cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curveable cannula comprising a curveable distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the radial opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curveable cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.
US08535307B2
Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like. Although devices and methods of the invention may be used to ablate epicardial tissue to treat atrial fibrillation, they may also be used in veterinary or research contexts, to treat various heart conditions other than atrial fibrillation and/or to ablate cardiac tissue other than the epicardium.
US08535306B2
Devices and methods for ablating a selected tissue volume, such as for ablating tumor, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the ablation devices include a low-conductivity, tissue-piercing tip, an adjustment mechanism for selectively adjusting the length of an exposed portion of the electrode, for producing ablation volumes of desired geometry. In other embodiment, the methods allow the adjustment of the length of the exposed electrode portion be carried out by moving an insulative sleeve along the electrode.
US08535303B2
Catheters, systems, and methods are provided for performing medical procedures, such as tissue ablation, adjacent the ostia of anatomical vessels, such as pulmonary veins. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible catheter body, which includes a proximal shaft portion and a distal shaft portion, and a tracking element carried by the distal shaft portion. The proximal section is pre-shaped to form a curve having an apex sized to be inserted into the vessel ostium, and a distal section configured to contact the adjacent tissue when the curve apex is inserted within the vessel ostium. The method may comprise inserting the curve apex into the vessel ostium to place the distal section in contact with a first tissue site adjacent the vessel ostium, and determining a location of the tracking element(s) within a coordinate system while the distal section is in contact with the first tissue site.
US08535297B2
A clip device 1 that has a coil-shaped tubular body 6 that is inserted through a curvable treatment instrument insertion channel of an endoscope, the tubular body 6 includes a proximal side coil (first coil) 10 that has a spring constant per unit length of 15 N/mm to 500 N/mm and is disposed on the proximal end side of the tubular body 6; and a distal end side coil 11 that is connected to the distal end of the proximal side coil 10, has a greater inner diameter than the inner diameter of the proximal side coil 10, has a spring constant per unit length of 15 N/mm to 500 N/mm, and has a spring constant that differs from the spring constant of the proximal side coil 10, with the ratio of the spring constants of the proximal side coil 10 and the distal end side coil 11 is greater than 1.0 and less than or equal to 2.0. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a treatment instrument for an endoscope, in which even in a case where a strong compressive force is applied to the coil-shaped tubular body in a curved channel of endoscope, it is possible to suppress a plastic deformation of the tubular body due to a slippage of the coil wire.
US08535293B2
Ureteral access sheaths can have a nonuniform axial-stiffness. A nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath can have an inner liner defining a longitudinally extending and generally uniform bore. A non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket can define a longitudinally tapered outer surface, and a reinforcement layer can be encapsulated between the inner liner and the non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket. The reinforcement layer can have a non-uniform axial-stiffness. For example, a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be thicker than a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. A coil of wire can be included in the reinforcement layer, and a diameter of the wire in a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be larger than a diameter of the wire in a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. In some instances, the diameter of the wire tapers from the proximal portion to the distal portion.
US08535292B2
A retractable catheter for use in an implant delivery system, the catheter including an elongate tubular sheath made of a relatively flexible material, and a pull element for transmitting a pull force to the sheath to retract it longitudinally. The pull element includes an end portion disposed in the relatively flexible material, at least the thickness of the end portion being substantially less than its length.
US08535291B1
A medical practitioner can specify certain parameters for a procedure that involves delivering a therapeutic agent, while leaving other parameters open. The therapeutic agent can be sensitive to biomechanical forces (or other influences) associated with delivery. The procedure can involve regenerative medicine, for example delivering progenitor or stem cells to a diseased heart using a catheter, whereby unbridled transport in the catheter may compromise efficacy. The open parameters can influence efficacy of the agent and thus therapeutic outcome. A computer-based system can apply stored information, such as from databases, to narrow the possible values of the open parameters. From the narrowed possibilities, an optimization routine can determine suitable or optimized values for the open parameters. The determined values can manage biomechanical forces incurred by the therapeutic agent, thereby promoting efficacy and healing. The optimized parameters can guide the practitioner in the procedure.
US08535282B2
The present disclosure is directed at methods and apparatus to evaluate and monitor healing progress of wound and/or to generate data to modify or identify a treatment protocol. Fluid exudate removed from the wound by a negative pressure therapy device may now be analyzed to identify the progress of wound healing, such as whether healing is progressing in a positive manner or experiencing one or more impediments. The fluid exudates may be specifically analyzed for one or more analytes indicative of one or more of the biochemical reactions that may occur during wound recovery. In addition, one may separately utilize optical sensors integrated into a dressing enclosure, optionally in those dressings employed in a negative pressure therapy device. Such optical sensors may then illuminate the wound and collect information regarding the wound via a light scattering type response.
US08535280B2
The present invention includes systems and methods for detecting fluid flow into or out of a port chamber or a reservoir of an implantable medical device utilizing a pressure sensor. The system detects characteristic pressure profiles associated with fluid flowing into the medical device, out of the medical device, and also whether one or both of the port chamber or reservoir are substantially empty or substantially full. In addition, the present invention may generate a sensory cue to a clinician to indicate the fluid status.
US08535278B2
An extendible plunger rod for use with a syringe is provided. Example plunger rods may include an outer plunger rod with a proximal end and a distal end, the outer plunger rod having an inner cavity; an inner plunger rod, housed at least partially within the inner cavity of the outer plunger rod; a compression spring disposed within the inner cavity of the outer plunger rod and between the proximal end of the outer plunger rod, and the inner plunger rod, the compression spring configured to exert force tending to push the inner plunger rod in a direction distal to the outer plunger rod; and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the inner plunger rod relative to the outer plunger rod while both the inner and outer plunger rods are depressed into a syringe body, until the outer plunger rod has been depressed at least a first predetermined distance into the syringe body.
US08535277B2
The present disclosure relates to devices for use in conjunction with a syringe in measuring a dose using the syringe. In certain embodiments, a clip is provided that includes an elongated portion for insertion into a barrel of a syringe and a locking portion that locks onto a feature of the syringe. Once inserted, the clip physically prevents retraction of a plunger of the syringe past a certain point corresponding to a desired dose.
US08535275B2
A topical anesthetic dispenser is releasably attachable to a pre-filled disposable syringe. A clip receives a barrel of the syringe. The clip includes a receptacle portion receiving a pre-filled cannister of a topical numbing agent, wherein the cannister includes a generally cylindrical chamber portion receivable within the receptacle portion of the clip and a distal neck portion having an outlet allowing contents of the cannister to be dispensed. A dispenser attached to the distal neck portion of the cannister includes an elongated flexible tube surrounded by a rigid tube for at least a portion of a length of the elongated flexible tube. A pivotable lever carries a tube compressor including a pinching member extending through an opening in the rigid tube and spring biased to a position at which the pinching member pinches closed an elongated passageway through the flexible tube. The pivotable lever is spring biased to the position at which the flexible tube is pinched closed and is pivoted against the spring bias to open the flexible tube and dispense the numbing agent.
US08535269B2
An insertion head for medical or pharmaceutical applications includes a base having a lower side positionable on organic tissue; an insertion means movably mounted by the base and insertable into the tissue; where the insertion means is movable relative to the base from a protective position in which a free end of the insertion means is short of the lower side of the base, into an insertion position in which the free end protrudes beyond the lower side; and a receptacle that is open towards the lower side of the base and that can be detached from the base, and which accommodates at least the free end of the insertion means in its protective position.
US08535263B2
A single-use injector comprising a housing (200) accommodating a mechanical spring energy reservoir (50), a cylinder/piston unit (100), a piston-actuating ram (60) and a trigger unit (80), the spring-locked piston-actuating ram (60) being supported on the housing via support rods, draw hooks or elastic flexural beams. The housing of the injector consists of a thin-walled sheet metal part. Said sheet metal part supports the pretensioned spring energy reservoir and the cylinder/piston unit. The piston (111) of the cylinder/piston unit can be manually displaced by means of a pump rod (140). The single-use injector is compact and has few components, is easy to handle and allows secure storage and functioning. The cylinder/piston unit can be filled when mounted.
US08535251B1
A portable mechanical device to assist in external chest compressions during cardio-pulmonary resuscitative procedures. The embodiment consists of a frame (100), a plunger unit (104) and an articulating lever (109). The bottom member (102) of the frame is positioned under the subject such that the dome of the plunger unit (104) rests above the mid-sternal region. The handle (108) at the free end of the lever is used to apply downward force by the life-saver to provide the necessary chest compressions. The device is light in weight, easily transportable, and has an indefinite shelf life. This device is designed to be used by anyone with a basic training in CPR. The portability of the device renders itself useful outside the environs of a hospital, in confined quarters, and at remote locations.
US08535241B2
An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.
US08535238B2
Methods of diagnosing bone disease such as osteoporosis are provided. The methods comprise detecting changes in the physical or chemical structure of a keratinized tissue as correlates of disease. The methods include detecting changes in the hardness, modulus, or level of sulfur bonding, particularly the level of disulfide bonding, in a keratinized tissue sample such as nail, hair, or skin. Changes in these variables serve as diagnostic markers of bone diseases that are associated with changes in bone elasticity and bone density.
US08535228B2
A method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for the imaging, monitoring, and thermal injury to treat the SMAS region. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary method and system are configured for treating the SMAS region by first, imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area and surrounding structures, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, and third to monitor the treatment area before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results and/or provide feedback.
US08535218B2
A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes first and second objective optical systems for forming images of objects viewed in the capsule insertion direction and in the opposite direction on separate areas of one plane where an image pickup surface of an image pickup device is located. The capsule endoscope also includes illuminators for illuminating the objects, and a deflector or deflectors, such as reflecting prisms, for folding light from the objective optical systems to the image pickup surface so that the image pickup surface is parallel to the capsule insertion direction. The objective optical systems are retrofocus optical systems. The illuminators may have emission surfaces centered on the centers of spheres defined by dome-shaped transparent covers aligned along a central axis of the capsule endoscope. The objective optical systems, the deflector or deflectors, and the image pickup device are arranged completely off the central axis of the capsule endoscope.
US08535210B2
A centrifugal blood separation system comprising a rotor, a light source, an optical sensor, a control system, a separation vessel, and an optical cell on the separation vessel. The optical cell has a first extraction port extending radially outwardly into the optical cell, a red blood cell extraction port downstream from the first extraction port and extending into the optical cell beyond the first extraction port; and a dam between said first extraction port and said red blood cell extraction port, having an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the first extraction port and the red cell extraction port are radially between the upper edge and the lower edge of the dam. Also, a first extraction port having a bore having a first diameter, a lumen having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a frustro-conical passageway coupling the bore to the lumen.
US08535206B2
A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device.
US08535205B2
A multi-functional group of hand/forearm exercise tools wherein each tool permits the user to strengthen one or more muscles associated with the hand/forearm of the user, and/or to increase radial and ulnar deviation and forearm pronation and supination, or permits the user to mimic a functional task, such as turning a door knob, opening a bottle cap, inserting and turning a key, turning and tightening a nut, and turning and tightening a bolt.
US08535202B2
A method and a device for operating a hybrid drive of a vehicle includes a parallel hybrid drive train having an internal combustion engine, at least one electric machine, a shift element interposed between the internal combustion engine and the electrical machine, a automatic transmission, and a power take-off. The internal combustion engine is frictionally connected to the electrical machine via the shift element and may be started by the electric machine. A coordinated sequence of functions with defined intermediate states is called up. A state of the shift element for the synchronization of a transmission input of the transmission to a target transmission input speed is varied once the engine has been started. The synchronization is performed either purely with an electromotive force or with a force produced by a combination of the electrical machine and the internal combustion engine.
US08535198B2
A zero backlash planetary gear train, comprising: a shell, a planetary gear set, and at least a sun gear set. Planetary gear set is disposed in said shell, and includes a planetary arm rack having output axis, such that planetary arm rack in said shell is provided with a plurality of double-layer planetary gears. The planetary gear set includes a first planetary gear and a second planetary gear. A buffer mechanism is provided between first planetary gear and second planetary gear. Said first planetary gear is engaged with at least an internal gear on an inner rim of shell, and second planetary gear is engaged with at least a sun gear set. Sun gear set is provided with a sun gear connected to a driving motor. Said zero backlash planetary gear train is capable of eliminating backlash between gears.
US08535187B2
A cam drive tensioner for use with an engine includes a main body mounted to a component of the engine; a shoe movably mounted to the main body, for movement in a first direction; and two or more hydraulic chambers defined between the main body and the shoe, with the two or more hydraulic chambers being laterally spaced apart from each other in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction.
US08535178B2
A batting tee system includes a batting tee assembly that may be used with conventional balls or with the ball described as an embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, the batting tee assembly may be used with a netting system or target that provides feedback to a batter based on a trajectory of the ball after it has been struck by a bat and leaves the batting tee assembly. In one embodiment, the batting tee assembly includes a support base coupled to a swing arm, which in turn is coupled to an adjustable-height batting tee. A flexible cup may be coupled to the batting tee to eliminate or substantially reduce the bounce back or recoil felt by a batter when hitting off a batting tee. The batting tee system may be configured for both left and right handed batters and also placed in a portable or storable configuration.
US08535176B2
Golf club irons having improved forgiveness, playability and performance characteristics are disclosed. The embodiments set forth parameters of various irons that affect performance either alone or in combination with other parameters when the irons are utilized to strike a golf ball. The parameters, which in some cases may be systematically progressed or varied, include golf club shaft length, striking face area, loft, coefficient of restitution, face thickness, topline thickness, swing weight, sole width at the heel and toe, and other performance characteristics.
US08535157B2
A gaming system that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played is disclosed. The gaming system includes a game server and a plurality of gaming units connected to the game server over a network. The game server stores one or more games in electronic form. The gaming units are at least partially connected to the game server using a wireless network. The gaming system enables one or more games to be downloaded over the network from the game server to one or more gaming units.
US08535144B2
Described herein are various systems and methods for providing gaming activities. These particularly relate to “fixed-odds” type gaming activities whereby a player places a bet in relation to an event outcome on the basis of a payout ratio and, in the case that the event outcome is identified as a winning outcome, the player is awarded a prize based on the entry fee and the payout ratio. In overview, the present embodiments focus on situations wherein the player is additionally eligible to receive a secondary prize that is indeterminate at the point in time the bet is placed. The nature and purpose of this secondary prize varies between embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the secondary prize effectively provides a winning player with a more advantageous payout ratio, in some embodiments the secondary prize allows the player to participate in a secondary game.
US08535134B2
A system for electronic interaction in a multi-player lottery system preferably displays information to players regarding various variable duration game rooms. The game rooms may be for durations such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, half an hour, and hour, a week or a month. The player may optionally be provided further information about the game rooms, such as the current prize amounts or the remaining duration of the game room. A clock or time indicates the end of game play in the room. A point tally system including a processor for ranking the players score relative to one another, and a memory for storing the information, the point tally system providing the ranking information to the displays, the point tally system selecting at least the player with the highest score at the expiration of game play as determined by the timer for the variable duration game room. Preferably, the system includes a payment system for providing the lottery winnings to the winner.
US08535128B2
A buttressed hinge assembly or a flexible hinge assembly adjusts to fit a vent on a wall or a roof in order to hold a fan thereon, which fan is especially suitable for a restaurant roof or wall. The hinge assembly attaches to a roof or wall vent to hold the fan in a proper position, yet permits the fan to be easily moved for cleaning of vent and the fan.
US08535127B2
An air distribution apparatus for mounting with respect to an air conditioning port in a ceiling surface is provided. The air distribution apparatus includes at least one bracket and an air distribution device. The at least one bracket includes a body portion and a protrusion extending from the body portion. The protrusion includes an abutment surface configured to abut a ceiling surface while the body portion at least partially extends into an air conditioning port of a ceiling surface. The air distribution device is configured to be mounted to the bracket to distribute air from an air conditioning port in a ceiling surface.
US08535115B2
A polishing apparatus includes a platen to hold a polishing pad having a plurality of optical apertures, a carrier head to hold a substrate against the polishing pad, a motor to generate relative motion between the carrier head and the platen, and an optical monitoring system. The optical monitoring system includes at least one light source, a common detector, and an optical assembly configured to direct light from the at least one light source to each of a plurality of separated positions in the platen, to direct light from each position of the plurality of separated positions to the substrate as the substrate passes over said each position, to receive reflected light from the substrate as the substrate passes over said each position, and to direct the reflected light from each of the plurality of separated positions to the common detector.
US08535113B2
A system comprising a system comprising a valve; a controller adapted to actuate the valve; a pressurized source connected to the valve; a hose and nozzle assembly connected to the pressurized source through the valve; and a switch connected to the nozzle assembly; wherein a flow from the pressurized source to the nozzle may be interrupted by the valve and by the nozzle.
US08535109B1
A method for making an incandescent light source display is disclosed. Electrode pairs connected to the driving circuit are formed on a substrate. The electrode pairs are spaced from each other and located on pixel locations. Each electrode pair includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrode pairs are covered with a drawn carbon nanotube film. The drawn carbon nanotube film suspends between the first electrode and the second electrode and has the plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially aligned an X direction from the first electrode to the second electrode in each electrode pair. The drawn carbon nanotube film is then cut along the X direction to form at least one carbon nanotube strip in each pixel location. The drawn carbon nanotube film between any adjacent two pixel locations are broken off. The carbon nanotube strip is shrunk into a carbon nanotube wire.
US08535098B2
A connector includes an enclosure and a body. The enclosure includes a top plate and a side plate perpendicularly connected to the top plate. The side plate has a second side edge substantially perpendicular to the top plate. The body is received in the enclosure and includes a sidewall. The sidewall abuts the side plate and is substantially parallel to the side plate. The sidewall includes a first part and a second part, and the second part defines a first mounting hole. The top plate abuts the body. A mounting piece extends from the top plate; the first part of the sidewall is in a first side of the side edge and covered by the side plate. The second part of the sidewall is in a second side opposite to the first side and exposed out of the side plate. The mounting piece is engaged in the first mounting hole.
US08535094B2
Disclosure relates to an elastic member mounted in a securing part formed at a male shielded connector or a female shielded connector and configured to establish an electrical connection between the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are assembled. The elastic member includes a plate spring having a predetermined length; an elastic piece being elastically deformable and formed by bending a portion of one or both sides of the plate spring in the lengthwise direction of the plate spring; and a fixing member formed on the plate spring and configured to prevent the elastic member from separating from the male shielded connector or the female shielded connector when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are disassembled.
US08535087B1
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing with a plurality of conductive terminals mounted thereon. A metallic shell surrounds the insulative housing thereby defining a mating cavity therein for receiving a mating plug. A spring plate is formed on one side wall of the metallic shell and projects into the mating cavity. A terminal module is attached to said side wall of the metallic shell and separated from the insulative housing by said side wall. The terminal module has a body section and a conductive terminal. The spring plate together with the conductive terminal form a detection switch which can detect whether a mating plug is inserted or not.
US08535086B2
In one example an electronic device includes a housing that includes an A/C input or DC input, and at least one circuit substrate that includes electronic circuitry, such as graphics processing circuitry that receives power based on the A/C input or DC input. The electronic device also includes a divided multi-connector element differential bus connector that is coupled to the electronic circuitry. The divided multi-connector element differential bus connector includes a single housing that connects with the circuit substrate and the connector housing includes therein a divided electronic contact configuration comprised of a first group of electrical contacts divided from an adjacent second group of mirrored electrical contacts wherein each group of electrical connects includes a row of at least lower and upper contacts.
US08535083B1
A locking mechanism is used to lock a connector to an information handling device. The locking mechanism includes a supporting bracket, a locking member, and an attachment member sleeved on a cable extending from the connector and slidably coupled to the supporting bracket. The supporting bracket is cantilevered from the information handling device. The locking member is rotatably mounted to the supporting bracket, adjacent to a distal end of the supporting bracket. The locking member engages with the attachment member by rotating the locking member in a first direction, thereby locking the connector to the information handling device. The locking member disengages from the holding member by rotating the locking member in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby the attachment member is capable of moving away from the information handling device to release the connector from the information handling device.
US08535076B2
An electrical connector to be disposed on a circuit board includes a housing with two sidewalls, a plurality of first terminals, and a plurality of second terminals. The first terminals and the second terminals are attached to the one and the other of the sidewalls, respectively, and are situated near a bottom portion of the housing. The first terminal has a flexible first elastic arm portion. The first elastic arm portion extends upward. The first elastic arm portion has a first contact section that protrudes toward the flat conductive member. The second terminal has a flexible second elastic arm portion. The second elastic arm portion extends upward further than an upper end of the first elastic arm portion. The second elastic arm portion has a second contact section that protrudes towards the flat conductive member at a position above than the upper end of the first elastic arm portion.
US08535073B2
The connector matable with a mating connector comprises a housing, a lever and an attached member. The housing has a front end, a rear end and an accommodating portion. The accommodating portion communicates with the front end and the rear end. The accommodating portion has an upper portion, a lower portion and side portions. The side portions are formed on respective opposite ends in a width direction of the accommodating portion so as to couple the upper portion and the lower portion with each other. The lever is configured to mate the connector with the mating connector and accommodated in the accommodating portion so as to be pivotable. The attached member is other than the housing. The attached member is attached to the housing so as to couple the upper portion and the lower portion with each other at a position located between the side portions in the width direction.
US08535071B1
Disclosed is a plug-type connection having a plug and a socket with a plug-in opening for the plug. The socket includes a socket housing and at least one retaining element connected to the socket housing and movable about a first pivot axis. The retaining element secures the plug plugged into the plug-in opening against slipping out of the plug-in opening. A means is provided to displace the retaining element about the first pivot axis out of the position securing the plug against slipping out, thereby releasing the plug, if a specific force acting on the plug opposite to the plug-in direction is exceeded.
US08535066B2
An electronic device includes a housing, a circuit board, an infrared receiving device and a protection cover. The protection cover is engaged in the window of the housing to cover the infrared receiving device. The protection cover includes a blocking plate, a side wall extending outwardly from the blocking plate, and two clasping ears respectively located at two opposite sides of the side wall. The blocking plate is attached to the housing, and the two clasping ears of the protection cover provide a permanent means of securing the protection cover to the housing.
US08535062B2
The present invention relates to a high-fidelity three-dimensional surgical training model for demonstrating or practicing surgical techniques. The three-dimensional surgical training model simulates human tissues of the head, neck and shoulders. The three-dimensional surgical training model may comprise a wide variety of defects, including but not limited to various cutaneous defects. The present invention also relates to methods of building and utilizing a three-dimensional surgical training model.
US08535061B2
A human torso phantom and its construction, wherein the phantom mimics respiratory and cardiac cycles in a human allowing acquisition of medical imaging data under conditions simulating patient cardiac and respiratory motion.
US08535054B2
An oven assembly for baking coatings applied to an object includes a housing with a header receiving pressurized air from a ventilator disposed outside the oven. A heater provides heat to the pressurized air received from the ventilator raising the temperature of the pressurized air to between about two and four times curing temperature in Fahrenheit degrees of the coatings applied to the object. The header extends from the heater into the housing. The header has nozzles disposed at spaced locations directing pressurized air at the temperature being between about two and four times the curing temperature in Fahrenheit degrees of the coating applied to the object toward predetermined locations on the object.
US08535053B2
Described is a method as well as an apparatus for incineration of combustible waste during the manufacture of cement clinker by which method the waste is introduced via a waste inlet (11) and supported on a supporting surface (21) incorporated in a separate compartment (9), where the waste being actively transported, while simultaneously subjected to incineration, through the compartment to its outlet (23), where the hot exhaust gases produced in connection with the incineration of the waste being vented to the preheater system for heating the cement raw meal, and where the slag generated during the waste incineration process being extracted from the compartment (9). The method and the apparatus are peculiar in that exhaust gases containing NOx are introduced to the compartment (9).
US08535050B2
A forced flue type combustion device in which an orifice is provided in at least one of an air supply passage and an exhaust passage, and in which the existence/nonexistence of a clog is determined on the basis of a detected pressure difference between the pressures on the upstream and downstream sides of the orifice, is arranged so that the existence/nonexistence of a clog can be determined with accuracy even during weak combustion with a low rotational speed of the combustion fan. Processing for increasing the rotational speed of the combustion fan is intermittently executed during weak combustion. During weak combustion, clogging determination processing based on the detected pressure difference value is executed only when the rotational speed of the combustion fan is increased. Clogging determination processing is started after the rotational speed of the combustion fan has become stable.
US08535043B2
The present invention provides molds useful in contact lens production, which molds incorporate a centering and spacing feature in the form of tabs on one of the mold halves. The spacing feature both centers the mold halves in relationship to each other and permits free flow of excess monomer from the mold. Additionally, the spacing feature aids in height control of the one mold half in relation to the other mold half.
US08535039B2
A dough cutting apparatus is suitable for cutting a sheet of dough. The dough cutting apparatus includes a structure defining a blunt dough engaging portion. The present invention can be embodied in a number of different ways, including a wheel cutter, a rotary drum cutter, a reciprocating head cutter, or another cutter.
US08535033B2
A method for manufacturing a cable, the cable including at least one transmissive element and at least one coating layer made of a polymeric material and arranged at a radially outer position with respect to the transmissive element. The method includes the steps of: a) feeding the polymeric material to an extrusion apparatus including an extrusion head, the extrusion head including a male die; a female die coaxially arranged with respect to the male die; a conveying channel, at least one portion of which is defined between the male die and the female die; and b) controlling a cross-sectional area of the at least one portion of the conveying channel in response to a detected quantity, the quantity being caused to vary during the manufacturing of the cable as a function of the actual extrusion speed. An extrusion apparatus for carrying out the process.
US08535024B2
A downhole pump has a barrel and plunger. The barrel has a first one-way valve and the plunger has a second done-way valve. The plunger reciprocates with respect to the barrel. The plunger has a first end which has a tapered leading edge. Ports are adjacent to the leading edge. The ports communicate with a passage in the plunger. A sucker rod string coupling is located at the plunger first end. The sucker rod string coupling is coupled to walls located between the ports. The end of the sucker rod string coupling that is coupled to the plunger is tapered so that fluid can flow out of the ports. The sucker rod string coupling and the plunger first end form an integral member that couples to the remainder of the plunger.
US08535019B2
A motor/pump unit, particularly for a power-steering arrangement in a motor vehicle, includes a housing, a hydraulic pump unit having a pump module and a motor unit with a drive motor. At least one damping element is provided between the pump unit and a portion of the housing to decouple the noise of the pump unit.
US08535016B2
A feedback control loop for a high pressure pump modifies the accumulator velocity and pressure during solvent transfer. The accumulator velocity is adjusted to maintain the system pressure equal to the expected pressure to thereby eliminate the effect of the flow deficit created by a thermal effect.
US08535013B2
A fan assembly of a gas turbine engine, the fan assembly includes an array of radially extending blades defining gaps therebetween and an annulus filler located within at least one gap. The annulus filler includes at least two individual bodies arranged circumferentially adjacent one another with at least one adjacent a blade, one of the bodies includes a flexible wall arranged to centrifuge outwardly against the other body thereby urging both bodies against the blades and securing them during engine operation.
US08535009B2
A two-row tapered roller bearing includes an outer ring (1) having an outer diameter of at least one meter, a first inner ring (2) and a second inner ring (3) that is disposed axially adjacent the first inner ring (2). A first set of conically-formed roller bodies (4) roll between the outer ring (1) and the first inner ring (2) and a second set of conically-formed roller bodies (5) are disposed axially adjacent the first roller bodies (4) and roll between the outer ring (1) and the second inner ring (3). A first sealing ring (11) is disposed axially adjacent the outer ring (1), is connected with the outer ring (1) and slips on a slip surface (16) of the first inner ring (2) in a contacting manner.
US08535005B2
Blades, turbine blade assemblies, and methods of forming blades are provided. The blade includes an airfoil including a convex suction side wall, a concave pressure side wall, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a root, and a tip, the convex suction side wall, the concave pressure side wall, and the tip each including interior surfaces that together define an internal cooling circuit, the airfoil including a single crystal superalloy, and a cladding layer disposed over the tip, the cladding layer including a zirconia grain stabilized platinum alloy.
US08534992B2
A shrouded wind turbine includes a shroud with an exterior surface that includes a smooth outer surface. The smooth outer surface is large enough that additional devices, particularly advertising displays or solar panels, can be mounted to the shroud to more efficiently use available surface area, both on the wind turbine itself and on the footprint of the wind turbine.
US08534988B2
A fan assembly includes a mounting bracket, a fan, and a baffle. The mounting bracket includes two side plates bounding an outlet, and each side plate defines a through hole. An inner side bounding the through hole defines an arc-shaped cutout, communicating with the through hole. The baffle includes two pins rotatably received in the through holes of the side plates. A protrusion protrudes out from each pin, and is engaged in the corresponding cutout. When the fan operates, the baffle is pushed to rotate to open the outlet, to allow air from the fan to flow out through the outlet. When the fan ceases operation, the baffle rotates back under force of gravity to a position to cover the outlet, where the protrusion resists against one end of the cutout such that further rotation is prevented, to prevent air intake into the mounting bracket through the outlet.
US08534983B2
A door breaching robotic manipulator comprises: two fingers, each finger comprising a gripper surface at a distal end thereof, the gripper surfaces being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance; a cable configured to be actuated to drive the gripper surfaces toward each other; and a selectively compliant wrist comprising a U-joint and a magnetic coupling having a predetermined magnetic force strength. The magnetic coupling comprises a metal member and a magnetic element attracted thereto. When a force overcomes the predetermined magnetic force strength of the selectively compliant wrist, the wrist becomes compliant.
US08534976B2
An apparatus for supporting a plurality of carriers or substrates is described. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber and a rotatable support for supporting the plurality of carriers or substrates, wherein the support is provided within the vacuum chamber and is configured for rotating the supported plurality of carriers or substrates around a rotation axis.
US08534974B2
A thread clamping device is described including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. Smaller locking distances are shown to result by using at least one double-threaded segment as a component of the thread clamping device. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses.
US08534973B2
The invention relates to a method for producing hollow body elements (200), for example, nut elements which are applied to components which are normally made of steel (280), in particular, for producing hollow body elements having an essentially quadratic or rectangular external profile (202). Said method consists of cutting individual elements of a profile in the form of a profile rod (1) or a winding after holes (204) have previously been stamped in the profile, a threaded cylinder (206) is subsequently, optionally, formed using a follow-on composite tool (10) which consists of several working stations. The invention is characterized in that a penetrating process and a punching process are carried out in the working station. The invention also relates to hollow body elements (200), components, follow-on composite tools (10) and rolling mills (600, 602).
US08534972B2
A waterproof screw bolt comprising: a head having a bottom surface; and a threaded shank extending from the bottom surface, the threaded shank defining a first ring-shaped groove in the bottom surface around the threaded shank, the head defining a through hole, the through hole running through the head and being in communication with the first ring-shaped groove, the through hole configured to introduce a glue into the first ring-shaped groove.
US08534964B2
A drilling device having an oil supply tank disposed at a position where the oil supply tank is less likely to collide with surrounding objects. This device includes a fixing member (12) fixed to a workpiece, a column (14) extending upward from the fixing member, a tubular slide unit (16) that is slidable along the column, a tool body (18) disposed on the tubular slide unit, and an oil supply tank (20) provided between the tool body and the fixing member and removably fixed to the tubular slide unit. The tool body is provided with a cutting oil supply passage having a cutting oil inlet (109) disposed toward the fixing member, while the oil supply tank is provided with a cutting oil outlet disposed upward. The tool body is displaced upward on the column and the oil supply tank is moved close to the tool body from the lower side of the tool body, whereby the cutting oil outlet of the oil supply tank is connected to the cutting oil inlet of the tool body.
US08534958B2
An offshore wind power station has a floatable foundation that can be sunk by flooding a hollow chamber, and a superstructure on which functional units of the station are arranged. The foundation includes a base that projects from the water surface in the sunk state of the foundation and on which the superstructure can be mounted. A floodable floating device surrounds the base in the shape of a ring. In a method for building an offshore station a floatable foundation is prefabricated in a harbor zone, is towed to a mounting location and sunk, whereupon the station is completed with a superstructure and functional units at the mounting location.
US08534952B2
A visual highlight accessory for attachment to highway guardrails has a paint coating and a clear varnish overcoating with mica particles for making the visual highlight accessory and the guardrail on which the visual highlight accessory is mounted readily visible to persons in vehicles travelling along a highway along which the visual highlight accessory borders. The visual highlight accessory has orifices corresponding to orifices in the guardrails to facilitate mounting of the visual highlight accessory on a guardrail.
US08534947B2
A disposable fluid applicator having a reservoir with a first membrane and a second membrane. Said reservoir containing a fluid to be dispensed. Said first membrane of the reservoir having perforations and being covered by a permeable and/or absorbent spreader. A removable tab assembly is disposed between said spreader and said first membrane of the reservoir that seals said perforations. When the tab is pulled from between said spreader and said first membrane of the reservoir the perforations are unsealed allowing the fluid contained inside the reservoir to flow out through the perforations into and through the spreader where the fluid can be applied to a desired surface.
US08534939B2
A CPU detects whether or not a type of a tape cassette housed in a cassette housing portion is a stripped-tape accommodating cassette that creates an after-printed tape with a separator being peeled off from its adhesive layer. In case the CPU detects that the type of the tape cassette in the cassette housing portion is a stripped-tape accommodating cassette that creates an after-printed tape with a separator being peeled off from its adhesive layer, only one after-printed tape in predetermined length with a separator being peeled off from its adhesive layer is made subject to tape printing, and consequently conveyed to a cutting point, whereby tape printing is terminated.
US08534938B2
According to one embodiment, a printer includes a motor and a roller turned by the motor to discharge a backing sheet-attached label from a roll wound with the backing sheet-attached label, or a liner-less label from a roll wound with the liner-less label with an adhesive surface on one side of the liner-less label. The printer further includes a print unit to perform printing on the backing sheet-attached label or the liner-less label discharged from the roll, a switching unit to switch the printer to a standard mode in which the print unit performs printing on the backing sheet-attached label or a liner-less mode in which the print unit performs printing on the liner-less label, and a control unit to control the operation of the motor in response to the switching of the printer to the standard mode or the liner-less mode.
US08534926B2
There is provided a clutch release bearing in which a water resistance is enhanced. At a side axially opposite from one side where an outer ring rib of a clutch release bearing is formed, there is provided a first seal member externally fitted to an outer ring to be fixed thereto. A seal lip disposed in sliding contact with an outside-diameter surface of an inner ring is formed at a radially-inward distal end of the first seal member. An annular guide is provided at a bearing-outward side of the first seal member, and an axial lip which extends toward the outside of the bearing and extends to be disposed radially outwardly of the guide is formed at a bearing-outward side face of the first seal member. The axial lip is disposed in non-contact, close relation to the guide to form a labyrinth. A radially outwardly-open groove is formed in a joint portion of the axial lip joined to the first seal member.
US08534914B2
A method of estimating the junction temperature of a light emitting diode comprises driving a forward bias current through the diode, the current comprising a square wave which toggles between high and low current values (Ihigh, llow), the high current value (lhigh) comprising an LED operation current, and the low current value (ILOW) comprising a non-zero measurement current. The forward bias voltage drop (Vf) is sampled and the forward bias voltage drop (Vflow) is determined at the measurement current (ILOW)—The temperature is derived from the determined forward bias voltage drop.
US08534910B2
A regulating member for a wristwatch movement includes a balance having at least one mobile magnet and a magnetic return member having at least one fixed permanent magnet. The permanent magnet engages with the mobile magnet of the balance, so as to generate a mechanical restoring torque for bringing the balance towards at least one resting position. The regulating member further includes an escapement for transmitting pulses to the balance so as to move the balance away from the resting position, and at least one yoke made of a ferromagnetic material for concentrating a magnetic flux of at least one of the permanent magnets.
US08534903B2
The invention relates to a vented extruder (1) for the devolatilization of a polymer material. The vented extruder (1) encompasses at least one drive (4), at least one gearbox (5), at least one rotatably driven extruder screw (3), at least one first material feed (6) and at least one extrudate outlet (13). A feature of the vented extruder (1) according to the invention is that the drive, encompassing drive (4) and gearbox (5), has been provided in the region of that end of the extruder screw (3) that is downstream in relation to the direction of conveying of the polymer.
US08534897B2
An optical waveguide device is provided which is capable of distributing light beams from a light source equally to long and short sides of a rectangular panel and which does not require a high degree of accuracy for alignment between the light source and a core. The optical waveguide device includes the light source provided on an edgewise extending frame part of a rectangular panel, and an optical waveguide provided on the frame part and including the branched core having a common portion closer to the light source, the branched core being divided from the common portion into a first core portion and a second core portion orthogonal to each other. The common portion is disposed at a corner of the frame part. The second core portion has a width greater than the width of the first core portion.
US08534893B2
A flat panel light source (100) for a transillumination device of a microscope comprises a plate-shaped light guide (110) having a lower and an upper boundary surface, and at least one lateral surface (113 to 116), and having at least one light-emitting means (120, 122) arranged to radiate light into the light guide (110) from at least two different directions, via at least one lateral surface serving as a light entrance surface, such that the light propagates in the light guide (110) as a result of total reflection, the total reflection being disrupted in defined fashion, by an element (140) abutting against a contact surface at the lower boundary surface of the light guide (110), so that an outcoupling of light occurs on the upper boundary surface of the light guide (110), the planar area of the contact surface being smaller than the planar area of the lower boundary surface.
US08534877B1
Optical systems capable of use in a variety of lighting applications particularly including industrial high bay and similar applications, the systems of the invention deliver energy efficient and effective light distribution through use of dual reflector arrangements wherein an inner reflector having a divergent and convergent profile is stationary relative to a lamp to form an inner reflector/lamp assembly, a prismatic outer reflector being displaceable relative to the inner reflector/lamp assembly to produce differing photometric distributions.
US08534869B2
An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
US08534860B2
The present invention is a display light box comprising several compartments with partitioning walls shaped according to a translucent image on a frontal display panel. The compartments are illuminated by LEDs, which are installed a distance away from the picture panel to accomplish uniformity of the light on the panel, and driven by a controller so the LEDs may be turned on and off in any pre-determined sequence, accomplishing a changing presentation and thereby making the light box more attractive. The intensity of each compartment may be designed to be different, by the number of LEDs installed in the compartment or by the number of LEDs turned on at any given moment. In addition, LEDs in the same compartment may be turned on and off in certain pattern, accomplishing additional artistic impression.
US08534850B2
The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle.
US08534847B2
Disclosed herein is a projector for projecting an image to a screen, including: a lamp configured to emit light; an elliptic reflecting mirror configured to reflect and condense the light from the lamp; a sensor configured to detect the amount of the light reflected and condensed by the elliptic reflecting mirror; a lamp power supply configured to supply power to the lamp to drive the lamp; and a control circuit configured to successively increase the power to be supplied from the lamp power supply to the lamp until after a variation value of the amount of the reflected light detected by the sensor becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value.
US08534846B2
A projection apparatus and a method for adjusting a driving voltage of the projection apparatus are provided. The projection apparatus comprises an illuminant module, an output voltage control module, an illuminant driver module, and an illuminant driver management module. The output voltage control module is configured to output a driving voltage. The illuminant driver module is configured to output an illuminant voltage to the illuminant module after receiving the driving voltage. The illuminant driver management module is configured to receive the illuminant voltage and to detect a variation in the illuminant voltage. Then, the illuminant driver management module outputs a control signal to the output voltage control module according to the variation of the illuminant voltage. Finally, the output voltage control module adjusts the driving voltage according to the control signal.
US08534832B2
Aspects of the present invention provide progressive addition lenses (PALs) and techniques for designing PALs that result in improved visual performance for the wearer. PALs of the present invention can have vision zones with widths that are more in line with the actual or functional sizes used by wearers. PALs of the present invention can also introduce controlled amounts of unwanted astigmatism into one or more vision zones. By allowing vision zones to include manageable levels of astigmatism, the resulting PAL can avoid the harsh build-up of astigmatism typically found in conventional PALs at the periphery of the channel and viewing zones. Further, PALs of the present invention can be designed using a merit function to achieve an optimized iterative design that accounts for astigmatism vector orientation and not simply astigmatism magnitude as is the case with conventional PAL design.
US08534828B2
Operation commands, each corresponding to an input operation through an input unit, are linked together. Thereby, a single operation command string is generated from a sequence of input operations and the thus generated operation command string is recorded on a command record buffer. The recorded operation command string is converted into two dimensional bar code data and printed. The operation command string is read out from a two dimensional bar code by a bar code scanner. The operation command string thus read out is executed by a CPU etc.
US08534825B2
A heater panel is configured to heat a print medium in a printer. The heater panel includes electrical conductors that form a plurality of heating zones to emit radiant energy toward the print medium. Heating zones that correspond to edges of the print medium emit radiant energy with a greater power density than heating zones that correspond to central portions of the print medium. The heater panel has a plurality of angled positions to vary the view factor for high gain control.
US08534819B2
An ink and method of its use for printing on a variety of substrates in a first aspect involves a water-insoluble colorant, water, and a primary solvent such as diacetone alcohol capable of dissolving both the water-insoluble colorant and the water. In a further aspect, the ink composition includes a secondary solvent capable of modifying the properties of the ink, the secondary solvent being selected from the group consisting of alcohols, amines, esters, glycol ethers, ketones, polyols, and keto-pyrroles. In a still further aspect, the ink may have at least two polyols, including a first polyol characterized by being semi-solid at operating temperature and a second polyol characterized by being liquid at operating temperature. In a further aspect, the ink composition includes a surfactant selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon-based surfactants, silicone-based surfactants, and fluorosurfactants.
US08534816B2
A cartridge includes a main body having a chamber formed therein and configured to receive an imaging material, a circuit board having a first opening and a second opening formed through the circuit board, and an electrode disposed on the circuit board. The main body includes a support surface that supports the circuit board, a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the support surface, such that a portion of the first protrusion is disposed in the first opening of the circuit board and a portion of the second protrusion is disposed in the second opening of the circuit board, a third protrusion protruding from the support surface adjacent to the circuit board; and a fixing element that contacts a portion of the circuit board and a portion of the third protrusion to affix the circuit board to the support surface of the main body.
US08534813B2
A set of ink cartridges is configured to mount in a cartridge mounting portion of a recording apparatus in an insertion direction. The set of cartridges includes a first and a second ink cartridge, and each cartridge includes a main body and a particular protrusion positioned adjacent to a bottom wall of the main body and extending from a portion of the main body in the insertion direction away from an ink chamber. The main body includes a first wall, the ink chamber, a communication portion disposed at the first wall; a second wall disposed opposite the first wall, and the bottom wall. The ink chamber is disposed between the first and second walls. A first length difference between a first length of a portion of the bottom wall extending from a rear end of the bottom wall of the first ink cartridge to an end of the particular protrusion of the first ink cartridge and a total length of the first ink cartridge is different from a second length difference between a second length extending from a rear end of the bottom wall of the second ink cartridge to an end of the particular protrusion of the second ink cartridge and a total length of the second ink cartridge.
US08534806B2
A fluid ejection device ejecting a fluid, the fluid ejection device includes: a fluid container; a fluid ejection unit; a delivery needle; a guard cover; and a guide. The fluid container includes a container portion and a withdrawal portion. The container portion contains a fluid for ejection, and the withdrawal portion allows withdrawal of the fluid contained in the container portion. The fluid ejection unit ejects a fluid onto an ejection target. The delivery needle provides a flow passage which communicates with the fluid ejection unit. The guard cover projects over the delivery needle. The guide mates with the fluid container, and then slidably guides the withdrawal portion toward a locking position where the delivery needle sticks through the withdrawal portion.
US08534804B2
According to one embodiment, an ink-jet head includes a main body, electrodes, electrically conductive portions, an insulating film, an adhesive, a frame member, a lid member, an electronic component and a protective agent. The main body includes pressure chambers. The electrodes are disposed in the pressure chambers. The electrically conductive portions are disposed on the main body and connected to the electrodes. The insulating film covers the electrodes and a part of the electrically conductive portions. The adhesive covers an end portion of the insulating film. The frame member is located on the end portion of the insulating film and attached to the main body by the adhesive. The electronic component is connected to the electrically conductive portions. The protective agent covers the electrically conductive portions between the electronic component and the frame member.
US08534800B2
A liquid ejecting head that includes a fluid channel formation substrate and pressure generation units. The fluid channel formation substrate is made of a silicon single crystal substrate having a crystal face orientation of. The fluid channel formation substrate has a plurality of separate flow channels that include at least pressure generation chambers demarcated by partition walls, each of the pressure generation chambers being in communication with a nozzle opening that ejects liquid drops. The fluid channel formation substrate further has a communication portion that is in communication with each of the separate flow channels. The pressure generation units are provided so as to correspond to the pressure generation chambers and generate a pressure change in the pressure generation chambers so as to cause ejection of liquid drops.
US08534797B2
A process for preparing a flexible device having a textured superoleophobic surface comprising providing a flexible substrate; disposing a silicon layer on the flexible substrate; using photolithography to create a textured pattern in the silicon layer on the substrate wherein the textured pattern comprises an array of pillars; and chemically modifying the textured surface by disposing a conformal oleophobic coating thereon; to provide a flexible device having a superoleophobic surface and, in embodiments, to provide a flexible device having a surface that is both superoleophobic and superhydrophobic.
US08534786B2
A discharge energy recovery device to recover discharge energy discharged from a piezoelectric element when the piezoelectric element is driven includes a drive voltage generator to generate a voltage to drive the piezoelectric element; a discharge voltage monitoring unit to monitor a discharge voltage discharged from the piezoelectric element when the piezoelectric element is driven by the drive voltage generator; a plurality of charge accumulating devices to accumulate a charge corresponding to a voltage monitored by the discharged voltage discharge voltage monitoring unit; and a selection unit to select one or more charge accumulating devices from the plurality of charge accumulating devices having capacity sufficient to enable accumulation of the charge corresponding to the voltage monitored by the discharge voltage monitoring unit.
US08534780B2
A rack apparatus has a movable member for holding a first article, and a second movable member for holding a second article, the first and second movable members being arranged vertically, a base member for holding the first movable member and the second movable member so as to be movable forward and backward horizontally, and a linking member for linking the first movable member and the second movable member so as to enable the second movable member to move backward when the first movable member moving forward.
US08534755B2
Embodiments of the present invention broadly relate to a chair cushion adaptable for transport on a backpack and adaptable to industry-standard seating devices for safety and comfort. In one embodiment of the present invention, a portable chair cushion apparatus comprises a back support portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and back support attachment means protruding from a rear surface thereof, a seat portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and a backpack connection means protruding from a bottom surface thereof, and a connection strap attached to the rear surface of the back support portion on a first end, and attached to the bottom surface of a seat portion on a second end.
US08534754B2
Bicycle apparatus for use with a bicycle that, includes a bicycle seat post, the apparatus including at least one bicycle seat support member (14), a pair of locking members (28,30) mechanically linked to the bicycle-seat support member (14), and a lock (32) adapted to lock the locking members (28,30) to each other, wherein in a first position the bicycle seat support member (14) is securable to a bicycle seat post of a bicycle for use as a bicycle seat support, and in a second position the bicycle seat support member (14) is arranged for locking the bicycle by being locked with the locking members (28,30) and the lock (32).
US08534748B1
A cross-brace structure for a police interceptor SUV includes a front member and a rear member, coupled through a connecting element. The front member has its two ends mounted over the rear floor of the vehicle, and the rear member has a first end and a second end, mounted on the left side rail and the right side rail of the vehicle, respectively. During an impact from the rear side, the crash load gets transferred to the non-impacted rear side through the rear bumper of the vehicle, and eventually, through the left and right rear side rails, towards the rear member of the cross-brace structure. The rear member transfers the crash load towards the front member, and further, towards the front portions of the vehicle, through the front sections of the left side rail and the right side rail.
US08534743B2
A method for operating a hatch arrangement of a motor vehicle is provided. The hatch arrangement has a hatch leaf with a hatch drive associated with the hatch leaf, and a hatch controller, with, amongst other things, a motor-operated closing process triggered by the hatch controller. The hatch arrangement has a motor vehicle lock, it being possible to reverse the hatch leaf starting from an opening and/or closing process in a motor-operated reversing process in a manner triggered by the hatch controller. As part of a reversing process which is initiated starting from a closing process, the motor vehicle lock and possibly the hatch drive is or are actuated, at least in phases as a function of the lock state, in such a way that engagement in a retaining manner between the motor vehicle lock and the lock striker or the like is avoided or released during the reversing operation.
US08534741B2
A locking mechanism is provided for a tarping system having a flexible cover deployable from a roller assembly for covering a container and a mechanism for extending and retracting the cover from the roller assembly. The locking mechanism includes a locking element, such as a taut cable, mounted to the roller assembly and spanning the width of the cover. The locking element is arranged on the roller assembly with a portion of the length of the cover less than the entire length of the cover wound around the locking element. This portion of the cover corresponds to an extended length of the cover. The locking mechanism prevents further advancement of the cover from the roller assembly once the locking mechanism is uncovered when the cover is unwound.
US08534732B2
A combination cot loading and fastening system for loading and unloading an ambulance cot having a normal loading height of about 76 centimeters (about 30 inches) into an emergency rescue vehicle having a transport deck in excess of 78 centimeters (about 31 inches), the vehicle having an opening providing access to the transport deck, is disclosed. The system comprises a pair of tracks, a shuttle assembly to securely pull the ambulance cot along the pair of tracks, and a locking mechanism mounted on the shuttle assembly. The shuttle assembly is configured to position the locking mechanism a distance away from a second end of the pair of tracks and at angle below the transport deck of the emergency rescue vehicle, the angle ranging from about 10° to 25°, and the distance ranging about 22.8 centimeters (about 9 inches) to about 50 centimeters (about 20 inches).
US08534716B2
A glueless union suitable for joining piping and other plumbing components. Several components are used to create the union. The portion of each plumbing component that is to be joined is a circular, thick-walled section which is centered on a central axis. This portion has a mating face that is perpendicular to the central axis. The union includes an annular face seal which is compressed between the opposing mating faces of the plumbing components to be joined.
US08534713B2
To provide a connecting structure of a double tube and an assembling or disassembling method of the double tube capable of disassembling or repairing an inner tube without cutting an outer tube. A connecting structure (10A) includes an outer tube (11) and an inner tube (12). The outer tube (11) is provided at a location corresponding to a connection flange portion (13) of the inner tube (12) with an outer tube short cylinder (15) including openings (14) each having a lid (14a). The outer tube short cylinder (15) is provided at respective ends with outer tube connection flange portions (16A and 16B). There are provided push-up bolts (21) capable of adjusting gaps respectively between an outer tube connection flange portions (17A-1 and 17A-2) which are opposed to each other, and between an outer tube connection flange portions (17B-1 and 17B-2).
US08534710B2
A security element for securing valuable articles comprises an optically variable layer (18) that conveys different color impressions at different viewing angles, and a color-constant layer (17, 24). The optically variable layer (18) and the color-constant layer (17, 24) are stacked in a covering region (20), while at most one of the optically variable layer (18) and the color-constant layer (17, 24) is present outside (22) the covering region. The color impression of the stacked layers (18, 17, 24) in the covering region (20) and the color impression of the one layer (18) outside (22) the covering region are matched with each other when viewed at a predetermined viewing angle. Further, the color-constant layer comprises an ink layer (17) and a metal layer arranged below the ink layer (24).
US08534700B2
An airbag system is provided for a motor vehicle with a first and second inflatable protective chamber, which when inflated form an angle with each other. The first and second protective chambers are linked to each other and/or to a gas feed along one side; and/or that a third inflatable protective chamber is provided, which when inflated forms an angle with the first and second protective chambers.
US08534697B2
The present invention relates to a telemark ski binding system that includes a first coupling configured to couple a ski to the toe of a ski boot and a second coupling configured to attach the ski to the heel of the ski boot. The second coupling may attach to the ski separately from the first coupling. The first coupling attaches to the boot using a freely rotating, releasable toe coupling design. The second coupling incorporates a flexible attachment that facilitates vertical movement of heel of the ski boot with respect to the ski and connects to the ski underneath or near the bellows of the boot.
US08534695B2
A hitch assembly includes a housing bracket having side members and a connecting member. A lower platform is attached to the housing bracket such that a cavity is formed between the lower platform and the connecting member. An L-shaped upper platform is configured to engage the cavity. A mounting bracket is connected to the housing bracket and has at least one adjustment aperture.
US08534688B1
A tandem bar guide pin assembly for independently adjusting a tandem bar on a trailer to desired position for even weight distribution includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. The second end is configured for insertion into a hole on a tandem bar whereby the shaft is positioned to obstruct movement of a trailer along the tandem bar. A head is coupled to the first end of the shaft to preventing the first end of the shaft from passing through the hole in the tandem bar. A slot extending into the head is configured for receiving a flange of the tandem bar. The flange is adjacent the hole of the tandem bar. Thus when the slot is engaged, the shaft is prevented from rotating in the hole of the tandem bar.
US08534680B1
An ice skate blade assembly comprising an ice skate blade comprising first and second hooks projecting upwardly, a blade holder having a bottom portion having a longitudinal groove extending therealong for receiving the upper edge of the ice skate blade and wherein the bottom portion further defines a recess extending upwardly from the longitudinal groove for receiving the first hook, and a single actuator having a wall accessible by a finger of a user, a resilient portion having an end wall facing a section of the inner surface of the second pedestal and a base with an inner wall and a bottom wall having an upper surface, an end and a bottom surface, wherein the inner wall and the bottom wall define therebetween a channel opens to the bottom aperture for receiving the second hook.
US08534679B2
A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that movement of the frame relative to the rear castor causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
US08534677B2
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a wedge-lock coupling configured to connect a jaw to an actuator arm of a chuck. The wedge-lock coupling includes a wedge portion having a path of travel between a release position and a lock position, and a locking direction along the path of travel gradually wedges the wedge portion between the actuator arm and the jaw.
US08534663B2
An automatic document feeder includes a paper pick-up device, a transfer roller assembly, and a duplex feeding channel. The transfer roller assembly includes a shaft, a first roller, a second roller, a first idler, a second idler, and a power-coupling device. When the power-coupling device is connected with the shaft and the first roller for transmitting a paper, the first roller is driven to be rotated by the shaft. When the front edge of the paper is moved to the second roller, the first roller is driven to be rotated at a higher speed by the paper. Consequently, a power connection between the first roller and the shaft is released by the power-coupling device. Then, the first roller reaches a static status in order to correct the skew phenomenon of a next paper.
US08534662B2
An image forming apparatus which includes a plurality of feeding units each formed by an exchangeable part, and selects one of the plurality of feeding units based on priority levels of the plurality of feeding units in a feed operation, comprises: a monitoring unit which monitors a consumed level of the part forming the feeding unit; a notification unit which sends a notification to a user in a case where the monitoring unit detects that a life-time of the part has been reached; an ordering unit which orders the part before the monitoring unit detects that the life-time of the part has been reached; and a changing unit which changes the priority level of the feeding unit formed by the part being ordered to be lower than the priority levels of other feeding units.
US08534648B2
An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.
US08534642B2
The specification discloses a seal member for selectively completing a fluid passageway defined between an upstream member and a downstream member separated by an intermediate space, the seal member comprising an elongate stem portion dimensioned to be movably positionable in an opening defined through the upstream member between opposite first and second surfaces thereof, the elongate stem portion having provided at one end thereof a resiliency deformable, radially-extending flange and at the other end thereof a sealing face, and a fluid passageway defined through the stem portion between the flange and the sealing face. The flange is deformable under fluid pressure to increase the area of contact between the flange and the first surface of the upstream member and to simultaneously move the stem portion within the opening defined in the upstream member so as to bring the sealing face into sealing contact with an opposing surface of the downstream member across the intermediate space.
US08534641B2
The invention relates to a connecting element for the electric connection of a solenoid valve to a circuit board, having a first electric contact element for electrically contacting the solenoid valve, a second electric contact element for electrically contacting the circuit board, and at least one tolerance adjusting element, and a related fluid assembly. According to the invention the connecting element is configured as one piece, and the first electric contact element and the second electric contact element are connected to each other via the at least one tolerance adjusting element. A first modifiable tolerance adjusting element enables a length adjustment in at least one spatial direction in order to predetermine a desired spatial positioning of the first contact element and the second contact element relative to each other.
US08534640B2
A valve switch unit has a detector configured to detect an input, such as current, from a machine controller. The valve switch unit also has a switching circuit configured to switch control of the one or more valves an automatic controller to the machine controller if the input from the machine controller exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the current detected exceeds the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control from the automatic controller to the machine controller. In a similar fashion, when the current falls below the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control back to the automatic controller.
US08534636B2
Mounting construction for mounting an adjustment instrument to a carrier for an outside mirror unit, comprising first mounting parts on the adjustment instrument and second mounting parts on the carrier, which mounting parts guide the adjustment instrument from a first position to a second position in a direction along the carrier, the mounting parts cooperating with each other in the second position to fix movement of the adjustment instrument relative to the carrier in a direction transverse to the carrier, while in the first position the adjustment instrument and the carrier are clear of each other.
US08534628B2
A mounting apparatus for a motherboard includes a chassis, a bracket, a resilient plate, and a handle. The chassis includes a sidewall, and a fastener formed on an inner surface of the sidewall. The bracket is fixed to a side of the motherboard. The resilient plate includes a fixing portion fixed to a side of the bracket facing the sidewall, a connecting portion slantingly extending toward the sidewall from the fixing portion, and a resilient arm extending from the connecting portion away from the fixing portion and defining a latching hole. The handle is pivotably connected to the bracket and includes a first plate. When the handle is rotated towards the bracket, the first plate is inserted into a space between the resilient arm and the bracket, and deforms the resilient arm towards the sidewall. The fastener engages in the latching hole of the resilient arm.
US08534620B2
A spreader device and a modular stand system including the spreader device are disclosed. The spreader device is configured to detachably couple with and support a stand unit, and to function independently as a stand when detached from the stand unit. Each arm of the spreader device may detachably and rotatably couple with a leg of the stand unit. The modular stand system may also include a monopod where both the spreader device and the stand unit are configured to engage the monopod. The functionality an configurability of each component in the modular stand system may permit increased system flexibility using a small number of components.
US08534613B2
An expansion joint is disclosed for a cable tray apparatus for a people mover system. An expansion joint is inserted or positioned between a pair of generally rectangular electrical cable trays having first and second ends. The cable trays are connected in an end-to-end relationship. The expansion joint has first and second ends and is positioned between the pair of cable trays so that the first end thereof is connected to the second end of the adjacent cable tray and so that the second end thereof is connected to the first end of the adjacent cable tray. The expansion joint includes body portions which are slidably movable towards one another or slidably movable away from one another to compensate for expansion and contraction of the cable tray apparatus.
US08534612B2
A trailing edge flap arrangement for an aircraft wing, comprising an array of flap elements moveable collectively between a retracted and an extended position, wherein at least the leading flap element is rotatable about its axis independently of the collective array movement. Also, a method of operating the trailing edge flap arrangement, comprising collectively moving the array of flap elements between a retracted and an extended position, and rotating at least the leading flap element about its axis independently of the collective array movement. The flap arrangement can be deployed as a single slotted flap which can be vented to further improve lift performance. The flap arrangement can also be operated to provide variable camber across the performance envelope.
US08534611B1
A method and apparatus for managing a flight control surface system. A leading edge section on a wing of an aircraft is extended into a deployed position. A deformable section connects the leading edge section to a trailing section. The deformable section changes from a deformed shape to an original shape when the leading edge section is moved into the deployed position. The leading edge section on the wing is moved from the deployed position to an undeployed position. The deformable section changes to the deformed shape inside of the wing.
US08534610B1
A method and apparatus for managing a flight control surface system. A leading edge device is moved on a leading edge from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The leading edge device has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a deformable fairing attached to the leading edge device such that the deformable fairing covers at least a portion of the inner surface. The deformable fairing changes from a deformed shape to an original shape when the leading edge device is moved to the deployed position. The leading edge device is then moved from the deployed position to the undeployed position, wherein the deformable fairing changes from the original shape to the deformed shape.
US08534602B2
The invention relates to a residence and sleeping module in an aircraft, for accommodating at least one member of an aircraft crew, wherein the module comprises a first partial module for docking a second partial module to it. In this arrangement, the first partial module or the second partial module comprises a connecting element, and the first partial module is designed to be arranged at a vertical height of an aircraft, which vertical height differs from that of the second partial module. In this arrangement, the connecting element is designed such that the second partial module can be docked to the first partial module by means of the connecting element.
US08534594B2
A vibration isolation system for attenuating vibration energy between two aircraft structures, such as between the aircraft's fuselage and interior cabin. The vibration isolation system includes a first isolator attached to the first structure, a second isolator attached to the second structure, and an intermediate mass attached between the first and second isolators. The intermediate mass may be electrical cables, wiring bundles, a cable holder, or other component disposed between the two structures. Cable holder intermediate masses can be fabricated from an electrically conductive material to provide electromagnetic interference shielding for cables disposed therein. Multiple vibration isolation systems can be disposed between the fuselage and interior cabin to provide a less noisy cabin. Additional noise and vibration suppressors, such as skin damping material and acoustic blankets, also can be disposed between the fuselage and interior cabin to further reduce noise in the interior cabin.
US08534587B2
An automatic positioning winder comprising a lower cover, an upper cover fixed to said lower cover, a winding device provided between said lower and upper covers, entering and outgoing line holes formed in the lateral walls of the lower and upper covers respectively; characterized in that: said winding device consists of a center pillar provided in center of an upper portion of the lower cover, a turning wheel sleeved on the center pillar, a brake component provided in the upper portion of the lower cover and a vulture spring fixed inside of the turning wheel; an annular groove having a flat bottom is formed on the bottom portion of the turning wheel; said annular groove includes a positioning device for forming a guiding groove inside the annular groove; the brake component has a hook portion moving relatively along said guiding groove as the turning wheel rotating.
US08534581B2
The present invention pertains to a hold down device for coiled wire stored in a wire storing container having a heading member that bounds a first coil face, a cover member bounding a second coil face, and a tensioning device extendable between the heading member and the cover member where the tensioning device is capable of applying compressive force between the heading member and the cover member. The heading member is fashioned having an integrally formed handle that eliminates the need to incorporate additional components for connecting to the tensioning device.
US08534580B2
A rotary knife for a granulator having a two-piece design comprising a blade holder and a removable blade, the blade holder having a V-shaped saddle for holding the removable blade aligned. The V-shaped saddle having a flat surface for absorbing the shock of force transmitted by the blade shearing plastic and other materials for recycling and reuse.
US08534579B2
A grinding device includes a mobile grinder group having openings for dispensing a ground product and a fixed counter-grinder having a central hole the surface of which comprises a grinding surface. The grinder group has a casing and a grinder which can be fixedly coupled, the grinder having a grinding surface that is inserted inside the central hole of the counter-grinder and that cooperates with the opposing grinding surface of the counter-grinder when grinding a product. The grinder group is arranged straddling the counter-grinder with the casing being arranged outside the counter-grinder. The casing can rotate with respect to the counter-grinder and is axially mobile with respect to the counter-grinder between two or more reciprocal adjustment positions. The grinder and the counter-grinder are made in a substantially rigid material and the casing is made from a substantially flexible material.
US08534577B2
A nozzle comprises a lower nozzle plate including a lower impingement surface formed therein, at least one fluid intake port disposed at an inner end of the lower impingement surface, and an upper nozzle plate including an upper impingement surface formed therein and an upper orifice edge disposed along an outer end of the upper impingement surface. The nozzle includes a seal configured for sealing the lower nozzle plate to the upper nozzle plate, such that the lower and upper impingement surfaces are opposed toward one another, thereby forming a fluid channel between the impingement surfaces, directing pressurized fluid from the at least one fluid intake port to a slotted orifice formed between the opposed lower and upper orifice edges. The nozzle includes a droplet size adjustment mechanism configured for attachment to the upper and lower nozzle plates for selectively controlling fluid droplet size ejected from the slotted orifice.
US08534574B2
The present disclosure relate to the field of depositing an underfill material between a microelectronic die and a substrate for flip-chip packages with an underfill material dispenser. In at least one embodiment, an underfill material dispenser may include a heater having a plurality of conduits. Other embodiments of the present disclosure may further include multiple dispense needle configurations, angled dispense nozzle exit conduits, conical nozzle exit conduits, and satellite traps.
US08534567B2
Methods for efficiently retrieving information from an image of a symbol are described. Symbols are described that contain detection patterns that facilitate the determination of location, alignment, size and orientation of the symbol in an image. Detection patterns are described that possess geometric shapes susceptible to efficient decoding using probabilistic detection algorithms. Detection patterns are described that are provided in colors, shapes and sizes different from the color, shape and sizes of modules carrying information in the symbol. Methods are described for identifying the location and size of detection patterns in images of the symbol and for locating modules in the symbol to facilitate extraction of information carried by the modules.
US08534564B2
Apparatuses, methods, and systems pertaining to the verification of portable consumer devices are disclosed. In one implementation, a verification token is communicatively coupled to a computer by a USB connection so as to use the computer's networking facilities. The verification token reads identification information from a user's portable consumer device (e.g., credit card) and sends the information to a validation entry over a communications network using the computer's networking facilities. The validation entity applies one or more validation tests to the information that it receives from the verification token. If a selected number of tests are passed, the validation entity sends a device verification value to the verification token, and optionally to a payment processing network. The verification token may enter the device verification value into a CVV field of a web page appearing on the computer's display, or may display the value to the user using the computer's display.
US08534561B2
The antenna-forming insert for a chip card includes a central layer forming an antenna including a substrate and at least one conductor extending along at least one face of the substrate. At least one cover layer covering on at least one side the central layer and capable of compensating for the irregularities of the surface of the central layer. Each cover layer includes a proximal sheet located in proximity to the central layer and a distal sheet located away from the central layer, both sheets being superposed and laminated and the proximal sheet during the lamination phase has lower fluidity than that of the distal sheet.
US08534553B2
A device for conducting rail car inspections including an inspection module, an imaging module, a scanner module, a location module, a printer module and a communication module.
US08534551B2
A system and method for providing digital receipts for purchase transactions are provided. The method includes the steps receiving information for a first credit card account for executing a transaction; retrieving a first customer record from a database using information from the first credit card account; charging an amount of the transaction to the first credit card account; and transmitting a receipt to a predetermined location of the customer. The predetermined location may be an e-mail address of the customer or a server residing on the network. By receiving digital receipts, a customer or end-user will be able to digitally store these receipts and view or print the receipts out when necessary. Furthermore, the customer will be able to manage the receipts with conventional software packages.
US08534546B2
A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to enable an individual to complete a financial transaction by swiping a magnetic stripe card through a card reader connected to a mobile device. The size of the card reader is miniaturized to be portable for connection with the mobile device. The card reader is configured to reliably read data encoded in a magnetic strip of the card with minimum error in a single swipe and provide a signal that corresponds to the data read to the mobile device, which then decodes the incoming signal from the card reader and acts as a point-of-sale device to complete the financial transaction. Such an approach enables a person to become either a micro-merchant (payee) or a buyer/customer (payer) without having to purchase expensive card reader devices or software.
US08534539B2
Provided is a valuable medium processing system capable of improving the work efficiency of a person in charge when continuously storing a quantity of valuable media collected from a plurality of valuable medium transaction machines into a storage unit. The valuable medium processing system comprises: a valuable medium processing machine for performing a count process on a predetermined kind of valuable media from among the valuable media collected from the valuable medium transaction machines; and a control machine for storing and managing the quantity of valuable media collected from the valuable medium transaction machines on a per valuable medium transaction machine basis. While the processing machine is performing the counting process on the valuable media collected from one of the valuable medium transaction machines, if the quantity of valuable media which are collected from a different valuable medium transaction machine and on which the processing machine cannot perform the counting process is inputted by an input operation means, the control machine controls a predetermined storage means to store the inputted quantity of valuable media as the quantity of valuable media collected from the different valuable medium transaction machine.
US08534537B2
A blank, carton, or package that includes a dispensing flap is described. The dispensing flap is formed in an end flap and covers an opening formed in another end flap when the carton is formed. The dispensing flap is detachable along a pattern of tear lines and the dispensing flap can be hinged to expose the opening and allow contents of the carton to be dispensed from the opening. A tear tab can be included to initiate detachment of the dispensing flap along the tear line pattern. A hanging flap can be provided to hang the carton from a vertical surface. End flaps and tuck-in flaps can be provided at a first end and a second end of the blank to secure the ends of the carton.
US08534535B2
An envelope having a compartment and a sealed display rack hole is made from a single blank and has a front panel, two side flaps, a top flap, and a bottom flap. Each flap is integrated with the front panel and folds around a respective fold line to form the compartment. The front panel and either the top or bottom flap each have a display rack hole disposed to register with one another when the flap having the display rack hole is folded around its fold line. The front panel is affixed to the flap having the second display rack hole, preferably with adhesive or by heat sealing, to create an area that seals the display rack holes from the compartment. In preferred embodiments, the front panel has a window covered with transparent sheet.
US08534534B2
An integral tab 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab 300 is provided near the apex of the folder by cutting free/lose a portion of the existing flap material 14 of the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs or material being affixed. The cut creates the tab without additional material required. The 3-D tab 300 version is created adding a triangular portion 301 which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side and top. A perforated version allows for user selectable tab and a plurality of placements across the common edge allows the user to select the tab position.
US08534533B2
A solder paste transfer process is provided and includes defining an arrangement of solder pad locations on a surface, applying solder paste onto a transfer tool in a pre-defined configuration reflective of the arrangement, disposing the transfer tool in an inverted orientation proximate to the surface and reflowing the solder paste to flow from the transfer tool to the solder pad locations.
US08534507B2
A granule dispenser for dispensing granules into a receiving cup, the granule dispenser including a dispenser and a base. The dispenser includes a collector rotatably mounted to the dispenser and configured to receive a predetermined volume of granules. The collector defines a cavity defining a dispensing volume and a port providing access to the cavity. The base supports the dispenser from underneath the dispenser and includes a chute, a support, and a catch plate. The support is configured to releasably mount the receiving cup beneath the chute in a position to receive granules from the chute. The catch plate is spaced beneath the support in a position below the receiving cup when the receiving cup is mounted to the support to catch granules that are not transferred to the receiving cup. In some examples, the collector rotates between a receiving position where the port is positioned to receive granules and a dispensing position where the port is positioned above the chute. In some further examples, the granule dispenser includes a hopper to store granules.
US08534503B2
A device for preparing drinks, in particular, cooled drinks. Also disclosed is a multi-way coupling for use in a device for cooling drinks and a method for cleaning a device for preparing drinks.
US08534502B2
There is provided a dispenser for use in dispensing distinct portions of a powdered foodstuff. The dispenser has a container defining an interior in the form of a basin, the basin provided with a dispensing outlet; and receivable by and movable within the basin, an insert provided with plural open compartments each for holding a distinct portion of the powdered foodstuff. Each open compartment of the insert is provided with a compartment outlet arranged such that by moving the insert within the basin one compartment outlet at a time may be brought into registration with the dispensing outlet for dispensing of the distinct portion of the powdered foodstuff held thereby.
US08534500B2
The present invention relates to a personal use device, preferably a toothbrush, a shaving device, or a hair removal device. The invention relates to a refill pack for such a personal use device, having a supply container (2), particularly a supply bag, containing at least one hygiene or care substance such as toothpaste or the like, and a pump (3) tightly connected to the supply container, the pump chamber of which is connected to the interior (6) of the supply container via an input valve (5). By deformation of a membrane which bounds the pump chamber (7), the pump chamber volume can be changed. The invention also relates to a method for filling such a refill pack.
US08534497B2
Relatively small, fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a bulk container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.
US08534494B2
A vending machine includes a product detection system for signaling a vending controller that a selected product has released from a product support shelf. The vending machine includes a product delivery device that, upon initiation of a vending operation, transports the selected product from the product support shelf towards a delivery area. Upon initiation of a vending operation, a motor moves a product delivery device to a position adjacent the selected product. A dispensing mechanism then releases the selected product which falls into the delivery device, imparting a downward force which is sensed at the motor. A sensor detects the downward force and signals the vending controller that the product has been received by the product delivery device. At this point, the vending controller continues with the vending operation.
US08534493B2
A dispenser includes a housing having a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, two side walls connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and two end walls connecting the dispensing wall, the bottom wall and the two side walls. A first slot aperture is disposed in the dispensing wall centered between the two end walls, the first slot aperture having a major axis oriented perpendicular to each of the two side walls. A second slot aperture is disposed in a first of the two side walls, the second slot aperture having a major axis oriented relative to the major axis of the first slot aperture such that the first slot aperture and the second slot aperture define a contiguous aperture between the dispensing wall and the first of the two side walls, the second slot aperture having a width less than a width of the first slot aperture.
US08534484B2
A sealing cover assembly that provides a liquid-tight seal around the upper perimeter of an underground utility box includes an upper lid element, a lower lid element, and a resilient, elastomeric sealing element sandwiched in between. The sealing element includes a peripheral sealing lip that mates with a peripheral surface of the upper lid element, and a sealing flange that seats in a peripheral groove or slot in the lower lid element. The peripheral lip bears against an interior surface of the underground box to form a seal The underside of the lower lid element includes fastening elements for securing an accessory holder to the underside of the cover assembly. A central fastening assembly secures the upper and lower lid elements together with the sealing element captured therebetween.
US08534482B2
A waste collection system has an outer shell arranged at least partly underground. A waste container (6) is inserted partly into the outer shell, and has a frame mainly above the ground (8), and a top container (9) mainly above the ground and inside the frame. A bottom container is arranged mainly underground inside the outer shell. The waste container has a cover which opens to emptying the container and one or more filling openings arranged on the cover for introducing waste into the waste container. Lifting means are arranged on the frame, and are engaged by a lifting mechanism (20) so the waste container can be lifted out from the outer shell and emptied and returned. The frame has protrusion(s) (18, 19) toward the inside of the frame and the top container has corresponding recesses (21, 22) which attach the top container to the frame.
US08534480B1
There are provided tank walls constructed from a plurality of tank wall sections joined together, connectors connecting the tank wall sections, and methods of constructing the tank walls. An exemplary embodiment provides a tank wall section having a first end that includes a series of spaced apart through holes. The tank wall section also has a second end that includes a series of spaced apart nubs. The nubs are sized, configured and spaced apart to register with the series of spaced apart through holes of a second tank wall section. The through holes are each sized and shaped to receive a retaining pin extending through the first side of the nub and through the opposite side of the nub to thereby couple the tank wall section to a second tank wall section.
